Mamdani calls World Cup ticket prices 'absurd' as final at MetLife could reach $6,000

New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani, a Democratic socialist, criticized FIFA's World Cup ticket pricing on the Pablo Torre Finds Out podcast, calling final-game tickets at MetLife Stadium ‘absurd’ as prices rise to more than $6,000. He said the pricing structure is unprecedented in FIFA’s history and would price out many New Yorkers from attending in person.

Mamdani noted that the last U.S. World Cup final price, adjusted for inflation, was far lower. He said, “We are now, at face value, seeing tickets for more than $6,000. It’s absurd.” He argued that the plan to price tickets based on demand would disproportionately affect residents and urged FIFA to reverse the pricing approach. The candidate, who has long advocated for affordable access to major events, also called for 15% of tickets to be set aside at discounted prices specifically for local residents.

The World Cup will be played across 16 host cities in the United States, Canada and Mexico, with New York-area fans set to watch eight matches, including the final, at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. FIFA has described its pricing as dynamic, with ticket prices starting around $60 for group-stage matches and rising to as much as $6,730 for the final, though prices could fluctuate depending on demand. The Associated Press has previously reported backlash to the dynamic-pricing model.

FIFA did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital’s request for comment on Mamdani’s remarks. The 2026 FIFA World Cup is set to bring matches to major venues across North America, and organizers have emphasized the availability of tickets across a range of prices to accommodate different fans. Mamdani’s comments add to a broader conversation about affordability and access to marquee sporting events in urban centers.

Mamdani, who has positioned himself as a left-leaning, progressive challenger in the New York City mayoral field, has aligned his campaign with calls for reduced ticketing barriers and greater support for residents seeking to attend large-scale international events. His critique of the World Cup pricing comes as political candidates nationwide scrutinize the economics of hosting global sports tournaments and the ways pricing structures can influence participation across communities.