Zohran Mamdani secures rare $50 World Cup tickets for New Yorkers through FIFA negotiations

New York City residents will have the chance to attend the 2026 FIFA World Cup for just $50 after Mayor Zohran Mamdani secured 1,000 discounted tickets through discussions with FIFA.

The initiative follows negotiations between Mamdani and FIFA president Gianni Infantino, with additional input reportedly coming from former Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger during a FaceTime call, according to The Athletic.

The specially allocated tickets will cover five group-stage fixtures and two knockout matches at MetLife Stadium, one of the major venues for the tournament. However, the allocation does not include tickets for the World Cup final scheduled for July 19.

Mamdani announced the agreement in a video posted on X, linking the breakthrough to a promise made during his campaign.

“Last year, we said we would fight for cheaper tickets for New Yorkers, and today, just like Arsenal – we got it done.”

Fans to be selected through public draw

The ballot for the discounted tickets opens on May 25, with successful applicants expected to be notified on June 3.

United States international Timothy Weah praised the initiative during the official announcement, saying the programme would help make the tournament more accessible to local supporters.

“I think the mayor has done an amazing job to make these tickets available to New Yorkers, and my job is to bring joy, to put smiles on faces, and I’m going to do exactly that.”

MetLife Stadium is scheduled to host seven World Cup matches during the tournament, with fans expected to watch some of football’s biggest nations, including Brazil, Morocco, England and Germany in action.