NYC Mayor Says World Cup Generates Enough Revenue to Keep Prices

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani has stated that the World Cup generates "more than enough" income and that supporters should not have to bear the burden of high prices. Speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live, Mamdani addressed concerns over the cost of attending the tournament, which is being co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada.

Ticket Prices and Fan Backlash

The 2026 World Cup is the most expensive to attend, with first-round match tickets ranging from $350 to $5,000 (£260 to £3,735). Fans have also faced significant increases in hotel and transportation costs. Following a backlash, prices for trains and buses to matches at the New York New Jersey Stadium were reduced but remain ten times the usual fare.

Mamdani, who took office as mayor in January, criticized FIFA for not making the tournament more affordable. He noted that football's world governing body stands to earn nearly $9 billion from the event, surpassing the revenue from the Paris 2024 Olympics.

Mayor's Remarks on Affordability

"We made it clear from the beginning we wanted this to be a World Cup for everyone," Mamdani said. He highlighted that New Jersey transit tickets to the stadium cost nearly $100, a decision he empathized with to avoid operating at a loss. However, he added, "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."

BBC Sport estimated that England supporters would need about £6,500 to attend all three group-stage matches, underscoring the financial burden on traveling fans.

Efforts to Improve Accessibility

Mamdani, 34, said New York has taken steps to help supporters, including free fan zones across the city. "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."

He noted that upon taking office, plans to charge for fan zones were reversed. "When I came into office, they were going to charge for them, and I'm glad they took away that cost."

The mayor also highlighted a $26 World Cup meal deal available at 900 bars and restaurants across the city. "We want this to be a moment where tourists and New Yorkers alike can rediscover this city," he said. "It's part of fighting back against the commodification of sports, the insistence it becomes yet another luxury product."