New York City Mayor Mamdani announces $50 World Cup ticket lottery for 1,000 residents

Mayor Zohran Mamdani made the announcement at Harlem Tavern in Little Senegal, joined on stage by US Men's National Team player Timothy Weah, NYC World Cup Czar Maya Handa, and New York City Council Member Yusef Salaam. The 1,000 tickets will be split across five group stage games and two knockout games played at MetLife Stadium — temporarily renamed New York New Jersey Stadium for the tournament — in East Rutherford, New Jersey.

Mamdani described the program as a response to soaring ticket prices for the tournament. "As we prepare to host the World Cup right outside of New York City, we know that ticket prices for this tournament have soared into the thousands of dollars," he said, according to CNN. "There are countless New Yorkers desperate to attend a World Cup match, but who simply cannot afford to go." CNN also reported that train fares from New York City to the stadium had risen to nearly 12 times the regular cost before being reduced following public criticism.

Residents may enter the lottery once per day, with daily signups capped at 50,000, according to CNN. Each winner also receives the right to purchase one additional ticket, as well as free bus transportation to and from the stadium. The World Cup final, also scheduled at the venue, is not included in the program.