New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani has announced a special $50 ticket program for New York residents ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, offering working-class and ordinary New Yorkers a chance to attend the world’s biggest sporting event at an affordable price.
Speaking at an event in Harlem’s “Little Senegal” neighborhood, Mayor Mamdani said that New York City and the New York–New Jersey Host Committee for FIFA World Cup 2026 have jointly reserved 1,000 special tickets exclusively for city residents. He explained that the main goal of the initiative is to ensure that everyday New Yorkers can be part of this historic global event.
Each ticket will cost only $50. In addition, ticket holders will receive free round-trip bus transportation to MetLife Stadium. The program will cover five group-stage matches and two knockout-round matches scheduled to take place in New York and New Jersey. Around 150 tickets will be allocated for each match.
Mayor Mamdani said, “The World Cup is happening right in our backyard, and we want to make sure working New Yorkers have the opportunity to be part of this historic moment.”
According to the city administration, New York City residents aged 15 and older will be eligible to purchase the tickets through a lottery system. Applications will open on Monday, May 25, at 10:00 a.m. and continue until midnight on Saturday, May 30. Interested residents can register through the website regnyctix.com. Winners will be announced on June 3, and each selected applicant will be allowed to purchase up to two tickets.
Officials also stated that the tickets will be non-transferable in order to prevent scalping and resale at inflated prices. On match day, the tickets will be distributed directly to winners at designated bus pickup points.
New York City’s World Cup Czar, Maya Handa, said the initiative is aimed at connecting working-class residents, immigrant families, and ordinary New Yorkers with the excitement and historic atmosphere of the World Cup.
Alex Lasry, CEO of the New York–New Jersey Host Committee for FIFA World Cup 2026, praised Mayor Mamdani’s initiative, saying it would help make the World Cup more accessible and affordable for local residents.
Meanwhile, New York City Council member Yusef Salaam highlighted Harlem’s multicultural character and said the initiative holds special significance for immigrant and African communities.
Analysts believe the 2026 FIFA World Cup will bring millions of visitors and enormous global attention to the New York–New Jersey region. In that context, New York City’s effort to ensure broader public participation has already received widespread praise.
