New York City is set to release 1,500 limited‑edition World Cup‑themed soccer jerseys on June 12, each priced at $50. The drop marks the city’s most direct effort yet to let residents participate in the global tournament without the steep price tags that typically accompany official merchandise.
Designs rooted in Brooklyn creativity
The jerseys were conceived by Brooklyn‑based designer Arsh Raziuddin and brought to life by local manufacturer Mazzi Sports. They come in three striking colorways — black and white, yellow and black, and orange and blue — and feature a soccer‑ball‑shaped Big Apple hybrid badge on the left chest alongside a pigeon emblem on the right. A bold “NEW YORK CITY” wordmark crowns the front, while the back bears the number “26” to echo the 2026 World Cup.
All 1,500 pieces will be sold exclusively in person at the NYC City Store beginning at 9 a.m. on June 12. Each jersey is handmade at Mazzi Sports’ Brooklyn factory, underscoring the city’s commitment to local production and job creation.
Affordability in a high‑priced market
The $50 price point stands in stark contrast to the $375 cost of FIFA’s own city‑themed jerseys, as well as the $160 adult jerseys from Adidas and the $175 Nike Aero‑FIT Authentic Jersey. By pricing the apparel at a fraction of those rates, the city hopes to remove financial barriers that have historically kept many New Yorkers from owning official tournament gear.
Mayor Zohran Mamdani said the initiative reflects the administration’s broader push to ease the cost‑of‑living crisis. “Our City Hall commitment to tackling the cost of living crisis extends to making it possible for every New Yorker to take part in the things that make us human,” he remarked, emphasizing that the jerseys are meant to give residents an affordable way to show city pride.
Beyond the jersey: community celebrations
The jersey sale coincides with a suite of World Cup‑related activities across the city. New Yorkers can enter a lottery for $50 tickets to matches at MetLife Stadium, and the city will host a free watch party for the final on the Great Lawn in Central Park. These events aim to foster a sense of collective excitement while keeping costs accessible.