New York City is set to run a lottery that will award 1,000 World Cup tickets at a fixed price of $50 each, a move designed to give working‑class residents a realistic chance to attend the matches.
The initiative comes as secondary market prices for the tournament have climbed into the thousands of dollars, pricing many ordinary fans out of the global spectacle.
Mayor Zohran Mamdani unveiled the program, emphasizing that it is part of a broader effort to make major sporting events more inclusive for New Yorkers.
The lottery will be open to eligible city residents who submit a single entry through an online portal, with the submission window closing in early June.
How the Lottery Works
Participants must create an account on the city’s designated platform, where they can register one entry per household. The drawing is scheduled for mid‑June, after which winners will be notified via email.
Selected ticket holders will receive a confirmation code that can be redeemed at participating venues, ensuring a streamlined process from selection to attendance.
City officials hope the scheme will not only broaden access but also generate excitement ahead of the tournament, reinforcing New York’s role as a cultural and sporting hub.