Democratic New York mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani launched a “Game Over Greed” petition Tuesday, looking to urge FIFA to make next year’s World Cup games more affordable for locals.
In a new social media campaign, Mamdani, dressed in a suit and kicking a soccer ball, said he is excited for the World Cup to come to the New York area in 2026.
“But are any working-class New Yorkers actually going to be able to watch the matches?” he asked. “Presale starts tomorrow and for the first time, FIFA is using dynamic pricing.”
According to The Athletic, FIFA on a briefing call last week said tickets to some of the group-stage games could go as low as $60, but could range as high as almost $7,000 for the final. Under FIFA’s dynamic pricing model, prices will change based on consumer demand.
In some cases, it could work in the consumer’s favor, but with high demand and enthusiasm for the World Cup in North America, it will likely mean prices will be high.
Mamdani said in his social media video that tickets can be resold on a FIFA platform with no price cap, meaning consumers could purchase a seat for $60, but resell it for $6,000.
“And unlike the last three World Cups, there’s nothing set aside for residents,” he said. “What this all means is the biggest sporting event in the world is happening in your backyard, and you’ll be priced out of it.”
Mamdani said he was calling on soccer fans to sign his petition to demand FIFA end its dynamic pricing model, put a cap on resale ticket prices and set aside a certain number of tickets for locals.
According to recent polling from The New York Times and Siena University, Mamdani is leading the city’s mayoral election with 46% support. Former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo, who lost to Mamdani in the Democratic primary and is now running as an independent, comes in second with 24% support in the survey.
FIFA’s 2026 World Cup will take place in cities across Canada, Mexico and the United States. Games will kick off on June 11.
Last month, President Donald Trump announced the 2026 World Cup draw would take place Dec. 5 at the Kennedy Center, a performing arts center in Washington, D.C. Trump made the announcement with FIFA president Gianni Infantino.