New York City mayor Zohran Mamdani has declared that the FIFA World Cup produces more than enough money to keep ticket and travel costs affordable for fans — and that supporters should not be left to foot the bill.

The 2026 World Cup, co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada, is shaping up to be the most expensive in the tournament's history. First-round ticket prices range from $350 to $5,000, while hotels and transport have also seen sharp price increases.

Transport costs draw fierce criticism

Train and bus fares to matches at New York New Jersey Stadium came under particular fire from supporters. Although prices were reduced following a backlash, they remain roughly 10 times the standard rate. Mamdani, 34, who took office in January, argued that FIFA — which is projected to earn nearly $9 billion from the tournament, surpassing the revenue of the Paris 2024 Olympics — had the means to prevent that burden from falling on fans.