World Cup 2026: NYC mayor Zohran Mamdani says tournament ‘makes more than enough money’

Mayor of New York Zohran Mamdani says the World Cup generates “more than enough” income and supporters should not have to pay higher prices.

The tournament in the United States, Mexico and Canada is the most expensive to attend with prices for many first-round games ranging from $350 to $5,000 (£260 to £3,735).

Supporters have also seen increases in charges for hotels and transport.

Prices for trains and buses to World Cup matches at New York New Jersey Stadium were cut following a backlash from fans but are still 10 times the usual cost.

Mamdani, who became mayor of New York in January, says Fifa could have made the tournament affordable.

Football’s world governing body stands to earn nearly $9bn from the tournament, more than the Paris 2024 Olympics.

Mamdani told BBC Radio 5 live: “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 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.”

BBC Sport plotted a route through the group stage before the tournament and found that England supporters would need about £6,500 to attend all three matches.

Mamdani, 34, said New York had managed to bring in some help for supporters such as free fanzones 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.

“When I came into office, they were going to charge for them, and I’m glad they took away that cost.

“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 it becomes yet another luxury product.”