With less than a year until the 2026 FIFA World Cup, New York City mayoral frontrunner Zohran Mamdani has raised alarm over Donald Trump’s immigration policies, warning they could turn the global sporting event into a climate of fear for immigrants and visitors. Speaking to The Athletic, Mamdani said the president’s threats toward his campaign and harsh immigration stance risk undermining the welcoming spirit of the tournament, which will host eight matches at MetLife Stadium in the New York–New Jersey region.
Mamdani’s Stark Warning
Mamdani, a 34-year-old Democratic nominee and self-described democratic socialist, warned that Trump’s policies could intimidate both international fans and immigrant communities in New York. “I think his threats are inevitable,” he said. “The question is how we respond to them. We’ve seen this president’s policies are ones that not only endanger the ability of anyone looking to plan out their visit to this city but they’re also ones that have led many to question whether they would be safe in the city.” He added that several residents had already asked if ICE agents would be stationed near stadiums or if they needed to carry immigration documents during the World Cup.
Fear of ICE Presence
Mamdani’s comments come amid reports of increased Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activity in major U.S. cities. ICE recently drew backlash for spending millions of taxpayer dollars on ads targeting NFL audiences. For Mamdani, these developments raise concerns that the same aggressive tactics could extend into World Cup events, turning a global celebration of sport into a zone of anxiety for immigrant families. “This is a moment where we are welcoming the world,” he said, emphasizing that Trump’s enforcement agenda could discourage visitors and undermine New York’s image as a safe, inclusive host city.
Linking Affordability to the World Cup
Beyond immigration concerns, Mamdani has tied his campaign’s message of affordability and accessibility to next summer’s World Cup. A lifelong soccer fan, he has criticized the growing commercialization of the sport and FIFA’s dynamic ticket-pricing model. In September, he launched a petition titled “Game Over Greed”, demanding FIFA cap resale prices and reserve 15% of tickets for local residents. “These kinds of policies from FIFA threaten to price out the very people that make this game so special,” Mamdani said. His stance has resonated with working-class fans who fear being excluded from the historic event.
A Progressive Vision for a Welcoming City
Mamdani’s campaign centers on making New York more affordable and accessible—values he believes should extend to international visitors during the World Cup. Promising free city buses if elected, he envisions a New York that serves as a model of inclusivity. “I am running to lead this city to make clear that this is a city not just of the world, where 40 percent of us were born outside of this country, myself included, but one that welcomes the world,” he told The Athletic. His remarks reflect both a policy critique and a broader call for compassion and unity in an era of heightened political division.
Trump’s Immigration Policies Under Fire
Mamdani’s warning adds to mounting criticism of Trump’s hardline immigration measures, which advocates say have fueled fear and racial profiling. With Trump’s re-election bid underway, his promises to tighten border control and expand ICE operations have drawn scrutiny from civil rights organizations. Mamdani’s remarks tap into this national debate, framing immigration not just as a policy issue but as a test of America’s global reputation during one of the world’s most-watched sporting events.
A Global Stage for Local Values
As the countdown to the 2026 FIFA World Cup begins, Mamdani’s words highlight the intersection of politics, sports, and human rights. The tournament will draw millions of fans and billions of viewers, giving New York a chance to showcase not only its love for the game but also its stance on inclusivity. Mamdani’s campaign underscores that how the city treats immigrants and visitors next summer could define its legacy long after the final whistle blows.