New York Mayor Mamdani releases statement as citywide free World Cup fan events unveiled

New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani said the city's FIFA World Cup fan events would ensure everybody could enjoy the tournament -Credit:Angelina Katsanis/Bloomberg via Getty Images The New York and New Jersey FIFA World Cup Host Committee has announced that the Big Apple will play host to free fan events throughout the duration of the tournament. These events will be divided amongst the city’s five boroughs, providing soccer fans the opportunity to watch games live, enjoy cultural programming, interact with local businesses, and take in other “interactive experiences” on game days. Among those to release a statement in conjunction with this announcement was Mayor Zohran Mamdani, an avid and outspoken soccer fan.

Italian officials slam ‘shameful’ proposal from Trump envoy for Azzuri to replace Iran at World Cup Ticketmaster forced to place limit on World Cup ticket resale prices at key stadium New York State Governor Kathy Hochul said the events were an opportunity to support small businesses -Credit:Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images “When I think back on my first World Cup, some of my most meaningful memories weren’t in the stadium, they were in the fan zones, surrounded by thousands of people brought together by a pure love of the game,” he said. “That’s what we’re building here: a World Cup that belongs to New Yorkers.

By bringing these free fan events to every borough, we’re making sure everyone can be part of that joy. ” New York State Governor Kathy Hochul also commented on the announcement, saying, “New Yorkers are ready to welcome fans from across the world for the 2026 World Cup and we’re making sure everyone who calls this city home is part of this historic event. “These free fan events across all five boroughs bring the excitement of the game to every New Yorker in every community — supporting our small businesses and bringing New Yorkers together.

” Meanwhile, the city’s World Cup Czar, Maya Handa, said that by creating these events, they were showing their “commitment to making New York City the best host city in North America. “By expanding free programming across all five boroughs, we are ensuring that local restaurants and small businesses share in the benefits of the World Cup. ” The first of the fan events will be held in Queens throughout the group stage at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, Flushing Meadows.