Zohran Mamdani is aiming to make New York’s World Cup summer a bit more affordable, one meal deal at a time.
The mayor has launched a citywide $26 food and drink offer running throughout the tournament, giving fans a budget-friendly way to join in the celebrations away from MetLife Stadium’s record-breaking prices.
It is the latest move to ensure the World Cup is not just an event for those with the deepest pockets.
Zohran Mamdani introduces $26 World Cup meal deals
“Few better ways to celebrate this city — and the World Cup — than cheap eats. That’s why starting June 11th through July 19th, New Yorkers can celebrate the World Cup with $26 meal deals at hundreds of restaurants across the five boroughs — from Little Caribbean in Flatbush to not one, but two Koreatowns. Bring fellow fans or team rivals and discover what makes New York City the world’s city.”
The Five Borough Winners Specials give restaurants and bars the flexibility to offer prix fixe menus, food-and-drink pairings, or drink specials. Early participants include Red Rooster in Harlem, Naro at Rockefeller Center, Kills Boro Brewing Company in Staten Island, La Baraka in Little Neck and Armondo’s in Jackson Heights.
Zohran Mamdani continues to push for an affordable World Cup
The $26 deal is part of a broader push to keep the World Cup accessible. Mamdani has already announced 1,000 $50 tickets for New Yorkers, each including free round-trip buses to MetLife Stadium.
The need is clear. NJ Transit’s special rail tickets to MetLife are $150 round trip, bus tickets are $80, and parking at American Dream is listed at $225.
Match tickets themselves have priced out many fans, both through official channels and resale markets. In response, the city has set up free fan zones, Soccer Streets watch parties, a neighborhood passport scheme, 50 public-school field days, and a Central Park final watch party for 50,000 people.
New York takes on massive World Cup hosting role
New York/New Jersey will host eight matches, including the final on July 19. The group stage alone will see Brazil vs Morocco, France vs Senegal, Norway vs Senegal, Ecuador vs Germany and Panama vs England all played at MetLife Stadium.
Those fixtures will draw huge traveling fanbases from Brazil, France, Germany and England, as well as strong local communities connected to Morocco, Senegal, Ecuador, Panama and Norway.
It is a challenge that will stretch Midtown, Penn Station, Secaucus, local hotels, restaurants and transport routes for well over a month.
Mamdani’s message is clear: the world is coming, but New Yorkers should not be priced out of their own city’s celebrations.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
