New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani said he intends to raise concerns about current U.S. travel restrictions with President Donald Trump ahead of this summer’s FIFA World Cup, expressing hope that access for fans may change before the tournament begins.
Mamdani hosted a public watch party Sunday for the Africa Cup of Nations final between Senegal and Morocco, held in Manhattan’s Surrogate’s Court. Senegal won the match amid disputed circumstances.
Since Trump returned to office in January, the administration has issued travel bans affecting nationals from several countries, including four that have qualified for the tournament: Senegal, Ivory Coast, Iran, and Haiti. The 48-team World Cup will be hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
A proclamation issued in December barred entry into the U.S. for most travelers from Ivory Coast and Senegal, including those entering on visitor visas. The White House cited visa overstay rates from both countries. Exceptions apply to players, coaching staff, officials, and their immediate families, but not to fans.
In June, a separate order added Haiti and Iran to a similar list of restricted countries. Trump described the order as necessary for national security.
In November, the administration introduced the “FIFA PASS,” which offers ticket-holding fans prioritized visa appointments. However, the pass does not waive visa requirements or alter eligibility for those subject to current travel bans.
Speaking with The Athletic, Mamdani said the watch party was an example of how the city could highlight its global communities and commitment to international events. “This is the world’s city, and this is the world’s game,” Mamdani said.
Eight World Cup matches, including the final, are scheduled for MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Though the stadium is in New Jersey, New York City is formally a co-host.
Mamdani expressed concern that some fans, including those from Senegal, may not be able to attend due to travel restrictions. He said he intends to convey the city’s hope for broader international access during future discussions with the White House.
The mayor also criticized FIFA’s ticketing strategy. During his mayoral campaign, Mamdani launched a petition urging FIFA to end dynamic pricing, cap resale prices, and reserve 15% of tickets for local residents at a discount. He said New Yorkers have voiced frustration over ticket costs and limited access.
FIFA has received widespread criticism over ticket pricing from fans and some soccer federations, though it reported 500 million ticket requests.
Mamdani said his administration is coordinating with the New York/New Jersey host committee and plans to appoint a World Cup coordinator. The role will involve overseeing logistics, tourism, accessibility, and public services during the event.
“The goal is to make this a seamless experience,” Mamdani said. “It requires logistics, passion, ambition, imagination—all in equal parts.”
