New York City mayor Zohran Mamdani has demonstrated his passion for football once again, this time weaving a reference to Mario Balotelli into a public pledge tied to the FIFA World Cup 2026.

Mamdani, a well-known football enthusiast, has a reputation for drawing on the sport when addressing constituents — and his latest remarks were no different, channelling the Italian striker's iconic legacy to underscore his commitment ahead of the tournament.

The FIFA World Cup 2026 is set to be co-hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, with New York City among the marquee host cities. The event has generated considerable political as well as sporting excitement across the country, and Mamdani has clearly embraced the moment.

The mayor's reference to Balotelli — famous for his flamboyant personality and memorable moments on the pitch — added a colourful dimension to what could have been a routine civic address, signalling that football culture has firmly taken root at the highest levels of New York City's public life.