Mayor Zohran Mamdani arrives to deliver his 100 Days Address, a speech dedicated to outlining the progress made on his core campaign promises since taking office, in Queens, New York City, U.S., April 12, 2026. REUTERS/David 'Dee' Delgado
(Trenton, New Jersey) – New Jersey lawmakers are demanding answers after New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani announced a $50 World Cup ticket program for New Yorkers tied to games being played at MetLife Stadium.
In a letter to the NY/NJ FIFA 2026 Host Committee, lawmakers said the committee received more than $50 million directly from New Jersey taxpayers and more than $300 million in total public investment connected to hosting the World Cup.
The lawmakers say the Host Committee purchased 1,000 tickets and transferred them to New York City for a program offering discounted tickets to NYC residents, along with free round-trip bus service to the stadium.
New Jersey residents, they argue, have no comparable program — even though the matches are being played in their own state.
The lawmakers are now asking for a full accounting of the funding, the terms of the ticket agreement and whether New Jersey officials were consulted before the arrangement was finalized.
For critics, the question is blunt: did New Jersey families help foot the bill while Mamdani’s ticket deal benefits New Yorkers first?
