Zohran Mamdani Slams FIFA Over World Cup Ticket Prices
A Push for Affordable Access
New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani is turning his focus to soccer’s biggest stage. After securing the Democratic nomination on a platform centered around affordability, Mamdani is now urging FIFA to make the 2026 World Cup more accessible to everyday New Yorkers.
In a petition released on Wednesday, he demanded that FIFA reverse its plan to set ticket prices based on demand. Mamdani likened this approach to “price gouging.” He also called for 15% of tickets to be sold at discounted rates for local residents.
“As a lifelong football — sorry, soccer — fan, I couldn’t be more excited,” Mamdani said in a social media video, juggling a soccer ball in dress shoes while mimicking a British accent. “But are any working-class New Yorkers actually going to be able to watch the matches?”
Dynamic Pricing Under Fire
The tournament will be hosted across 16 cities in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. Notably, eight matches — including the final — are scheduled at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, just a short train ride from New York City.
Mamdani warned that “many of our neighbors won’t be able to afford to be there,” and accused FIFA of “pricing working people out of the game they love.”
A FIFA spokesperson defended the pricing model, explaining that dynamic pricing aligns with market practices in the host countries. They also stated that a portion of tickets would still be offered at fixed prices for “specific fan categories,” although full pricing and eligibility details are still being finalized.
Ticket Prices Stir Controversy
Recently announced prices range from $60 for group-stage matches to over $6,700 for the final. However, under the dynamic model, those numbers could rise significantly based on demand — drawing criticism from fans and advocacy groups.
Mamdani also pushed FIFA to cap resale ticket prices, a move already agreed to in Mexico due to its strict laws on secondary markets. However, no such cap exists in the U.S. or Canada, where FIFA has cited legal and regulatory differences.
A Broader Fight Against Rising Costs
Mamdani’s campaign has resonated with voters, thanks to bold proposals like rent freezes and free public buses. His opposition to FIFA’s pricing strategy fits within that same message.
“Pope John Paul II said, ‘Of all the unimportant things, football is the most important,’” Mamdani told reporters. “This is part of the larger affordability crisis in our city. Once again, working people are being left behind.”
