NYC Mayoral Candidate Mamdani Launches Petition Against FIFA World Cup Dynamic Pricing

New York City mayoral frontrunner Zohran Mamdani has launched the "Game Over Greed" campaign urging FIFA to end its dynamic pricing model for the 2026 World Cup, which will include matches at MetLife Stadium near New York City. Mamdani criticizes FIFA's approach, highlighting that dynamic pricing will likely price out working-class local fans, as ticket prices can range from $60 to over $6,700, with no cap on resale prices on FIFA's official platform. His petition calls for a cap on resale ticket prices and reserving 15 percent of tickets at discounted rates for local residents, a benefit host country residents received in previous World Cups but not this time. Mamdani frames the issue as part of broader affordability challenges in New York and insists the World Cup should be an opportunity for local fans, not just profit for FIFA. The dynamic pricing model was recently used in a Men’s Club World Cup in the U.S. and has faced criticism for potentially inflating prices beyond what many fans can afford. Mamdani's campaign reflects growing public backlash against FIFA's pricing strategy as ticket sales begin, with concerns that many may be effectively priced out of attending the biggest sporting event in the world happening in their own backyard.