New York Mayor, Zohran Mamdani, has said football fans should not have to bear higher costs to attend the 2026 FIFA World Cup, arguing that the tournament generates enough revenue to cover expenses without placing additional financial pressure on fans.
The World Cup, being hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada, has become the most expensive tournament for supporters to attend, with ticket prices for many first-round matches ranging from $350 to $5,000.
Fans have also faced increased costs for accommodation and transportation, although prices for trains and buses serving matches at New York New Jersey Stadium were reduced following criticism from supporters, fares remain about 10 times higher than usual.
Mamdani, who took office as mayor in January, said football’s governing body, FIFA, could have made the tournament more affordable for supporters.
According to estimates, FIFA is expected to generate nearly $9 billion in revenue from the World Cup, surpassing earnings from the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.
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Speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live, the New York mayor said, “We made it clear from the beginning we wanted this to be a World Cup for everyone.
“New Jersey transport has tickets to get to the stadium that are nearly $100. It’s a decision they’ve made, and I also empathise that they had to make that decision so they aren’t running at a loss.
“Part of that is a reflection of the host city agreement with FIFA. I think there is more than enough generated not just at this World Cup but at every World Cup, so those costs are covered, and fans are not the ones having to bridge that deficit.”
Mamdani said New York had introduced measures aimed at making the tournament more accessible, including free fan zones across the city and discounted match tickets.
“When you saw those ticket prices, there was a fear for how everyone would be able to be a part of this,” he said.
“I’m proud we secured 1,000 tickets at $50 for each game, and we have fan fests, one in each borough, for free.
“When I came into office, they were going to charge for them, and I’m glad they took away that cost.”
The mayor added that the city had encouraged local businesses to participate in initiatives designed to reduce costs for visitors and residents during the tournament.
“We want this to be a moment where tourists and New Yorkers alike can rediscover this city. We have 900 bars and restaurants that have signed up for our $26 World Cup meal deal. We want affordability and everyone to be a part of this tournament.
“It’s part of fighting back against the commodification of sports, the insistence that it becomes yet another luxury product.”
(BBC)
