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New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani has successfully negotiated a deal with FIFA to offer $50 World Cup tickets to local residents. According to The Hill, the arrangement includes 1,000 tickets for seven matches at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. This move comes amid criticism over high ticket prices, with some selling for thousands of dollars.
The discounted tickets will be available through a lottery system exclusively for New York City residents. Mayor Mamdani reportedly reached the agreement during a meeting with FIFA President Gianni Infantino in March. This initiative is part of Mamdani's broader effort to make the World Cup more accessible to local fans.
Mamdani has been vocal about his opposition to FIFA's dynamic pricing model, which adjusts ticket prices based on demand. He has called for a cap on resale prices and a dedicated percentage of tickets for local residents. As reported by Rosa Luxemburg Stiftung, Mamdani's "Game over Greed" petition seeks to prevent fans from being priced out of attending matches.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will take place across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, with MetLife Stadium hosting eight matches, including the final. The tournament will begin on June 11 and conclude on July 19.
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