New York mayor announces free FIFA World Cup fan zones as costs continue to escalate

In short:

New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani announced five free World Cup fan zones will be set up to help counter mounting costs for fans.

"These events were not initially set to be free, but the world's game should belong to the world," Mr Mamdani said.

What's next?

The World Cup gets underway on June 11 across the United States, Mexico and Canada, with the final set for New York on July 19.

New York City will host free events for soccer fans who hope to experience the excitement of the FIFA World Cup but can't afford the hefty ticket prices, Mayor Zohran Mamdani has announced.

The events — one in each of the city's five boroughs — will include watch parties for the matches and other festivities.

They will be staged at Rockefeller Center in Manhattan, the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Queens, Brooklyn Bridge Park in Brooklyn, a shopping centre near Yankee Stadium in the Bronx and a minor league baseball stadium in Staten Island.

"These events were not initially set to be free, but the world's game should belong to the world," Mr Mamdani said.

"We've made the decision together for fans to be able to watch that together without having to spend a dollar."

A separate fan event planned for Sports Illustrated Stadium in Harrison, New Jersey, where the New York Red Bulls play, will cost $10.

World Cup matches will be played at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, where just getting to and from the matches on public transit could cost $150.

Mr Mamdani, a noted soccer devotee, announced the free events alongside New York Governor Kathy Hochul, a fellow Democrat.

Mr Mamdani framed the initiative as part of a broader effort to ensure local fans are not priced out of the tournament, amid mounting criticism from fan groups and lawmakers who warn that rising match ticket costs could exclude ordinary supporters.

"Soccer is a game that was born out of the working class," he said.

"The ticket prices that we are seeing are not ones that many working people could even dream of affording.

" Every fan should be able to watch the greatest tournament on earth without dipping into their savings. "

Officials said fan zones will include live match screenings, food vendors and cultural programs, with more fan activities and community events to be announced in the coming weeks.

Asked about security, Mr Mamdani said preparations were being coordinated with police and other agencies, acknowledging heightened concerns following recent political violence in the country.

"These are events where New Yorkers can celebrate without fear," he said. "We are confident in our ability to keep people safe."

The New York-New Jersey region will host eight matches, including the final on July 19. The tournament kicks off on June 11 across the United States, Mexico and Canada.

AP/Reuters

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