NYC Candidate Mamdani Challenges FIFA Dynamic Pricing for 2026 World Cup Tickets

New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani has launched a petition called "Game Over Greed" demanding FIFA reverse its dynamic pricing model for the 2026 World Cup ticket sales, cap resale prices, and reserve 15% of tickets at discounted rates for local residents. Mamdani, a Democratic socialist and soccer fan, argues that FIFA's pricing strategy amounts to price gouging and excludes working-class New Yorkers from attending the tournament, which will be held across 16 North American cities with the final at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. He highlights the stark contrast in ticket affordability compared to the 1994 World Cup in the U.S., emphasizing the rising cost of living and affordability crisis affecting his city. The dynamic pricing model, which allows ticket prices to fluctuate based on demand, could push prices for prime seats up to $6,730, roughly four times the amount paid for the 2022 World Cup final in Qatar. Mamdani's petition has garnered thousands of signatures and ties into his broader platform focused on affordability and fighting corporate greed. FIFA has not yet responded to the calls for change in ticket pricing policies.