New York Mayor Mamdani Criticizes FIFA Over World Cup Ticket Prices

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani criticized the high cost of World Cup tickets, arguing that FIFA and the tournament generate enough money that fans should not have to shoulder such steep prices. The World Cup is being held in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, and has already been described as the most expensive ever, with group-stage tickets ranging from $350 to $5,000.

Mamdani said the broader costs also include hotel rates in host cities and public transportation. In New York, train and bus fares to reach the stadium were eventually reduced after fan protests, but they remain 10 times higher than normal. FIFA, the global football governing body, is expected to earn close to $9 billion from the tournament, more than the revenue from the 2024 Paris Olympics.

In an interview with BBC Radio, Mamdani said, “We made it clear from the beginning that we wanted this to be a World Cup for everyone.” He added, “I think there is enough revenue, not just in this World Cup but in all tournaments, to cover the costs, and the fans are not the ones who should bridge the gap.”

Mamdani, elected in January on a socialist platform and promises to ease the cost of living, said New York has tried to help fans through initiatives such as dedicated fan zones across the city. He said the city secured 1,000 tickets at $50 each for all games in the city and is offering free fan events. He also said the original plan was to charge for those events, but he changed the decision. He added that 900 bars and restaurants joined a World Cup meal initiative priced at $26, saying the goal is to make the tournament affordable and resist the commercialization of sport.