Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani: Good morning, New York City, and welcome back to "The Morning Pitch” — you give us five minutes, we’ll give you the World Cup.
First and foremost, let's go Knicks. The whole city will be watching. Let’s enjoy this moment and show the world how we celebrate joyfully and respectfully. Tonight is our night. But San Antonio isn’t the only place where excellence will be on display.
This evening at 6 PM, just across the Hudson River, Brazil and Morocco will kick off the first game of the 2026 World Cup being played in New York-New Jersey. The world will be watching for Yassine Bounou’s incredible composure in goal, Vini Jr. and Raphinha’s skills on the wings, and above all, to see if Richarlison will celebrate a goal by imitating one of New York City’s famous pigeons. Many New Yorkers will take in the game — some in person, far more across the five boroughs.
To those traveling to New York-New Jersey Stadium, plan to take public transit and buy a ticket in advance at the FIFA NY NJ official site. Start your journey at least four or five hours before kick-off to ensure you make it to the game on time. And for those traveling throughout Manhattan, prepare for gridlock in Midtown. Bus and shuttle corridors and lanes will begin at noon and stay in effect until 11 PM. 5th and 6th Avenues from 42nd Street to 59th Street will be dedicated to buses and shuttles, as will 42nd Street from 1st Avenue to 12th Avenue, West 40th Street between 8th and 11th Avenues and West 41st Street between 8th and 10th Avenues. If you’re planning on driving through midtown, expect heavy traffic and travel delays. I encourage you to take the subway, walk, or ride a bike instead.
And if you are traveling to the game, please prepare well in advance for a long journey. Pack a snack, bring water, put on sunscreen, and don’t be surprised by delays. Once you get to the stadium, you will be limited to only one soft, 20-ounce, factory-sealed, disposable water bottle. And remember, it has to be plastic — like a Manchester City fan.
There are also limits on the bags permitted inside the stadium. They must meet size restrictions and be transparent. That means no backpacks, large purses, seat cushions with pockets — in addition to baby strollers and prams. For those who will be watching in New York City, there are no restrictions on what kind of bag you can carry or where you can watch.
The full list of our $26 dollar meal deals at nearly 900 restaurants and bars across the five boroughs can be found at nyctourism.com/five-borough-winners-special/. Some participating locations will even have limited edition souvenir cups.
Each of these spots will be full of energy, but I do have a couple of suggestions for today’s game. If you are cheering for Brazil, enjoy a coxinha at Bar Goyana in East Harlem. And if you are supporting the Atlas Lions, head to Tara Kitchen for a delicious tagine.
Now, I want to speak very briefly to New Yorkers about staying safe over these coming days and weeks. First, the heat. Our city has experienced some extreme heat and humidity these past few days. Today will remain hot, with highs around 90 degrees. I’m glad to report that we’re expecting completely clear skies with a bit of wind.
Please make sure to drink lots of water, stay in air conditioning, and stay vigilant in case conditions change. Stay up to date by texting “NotifyNYC” to 692-692. Once again, that’s “NotifyNYC” to 692-692. We will give you the latest on weather emergencies and major traffic disruptions.
Second, I participated yesterday in a briefing at New York City Emergency Management headquarters. Every part of city government — from the FDNY to the NYPD to the Department of Transportation — is working together to ensure this tournament runs smoothly and safely for every New Yorker and every visitor.
Finally, as we look ahead to Brazil versus Morocco, I have been thinking lately about Sócrates — not the ancient Greek philosopher, but the Brazilian midfield maestro. Sócrates played both in and for Brazil in the 1970s and 80s — including the 1982 World Cup, where he captained the side. These were difficult years in Brazil. A repressive military junta governed the country, imposing its rule through force. At Corinthians, the club he captained, Sócrates and his teammates participated in what everyday Brazilians dreamed of: democracy. They began an experiment in self-governance called Democracia Corinthiana. Whether you were the star striker or you worked in the laundry room, you had the same one vote. And as the military dictatorship tortured and murdered its citizens, Sócrates led the players onto the pitch wearing jackets with the words “I want to vote for my President” on the back.
As we prepare to celebrate the World Cup here in New York City, we are making and marking something much larger than goals scored and tackles made. We are celebrating a sport that has given millions of people across this world — so many impoverished and forgotten — a sense of belonging, a connection to their neighbor, a feeling of shared solidarity. Football has created movements, helped overthrow dictators, and for 90 minutes at a time, not only allowed us to forget about our troubles, but to find ways to overcome them. What a beautiful game.
New York City, enjoy the match. And let’s go Knicks
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