Months before the start of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, politics is playing its own game. New Jersey Governor-elect Mikie Sherrill launched a direct criticism of New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani after he publicly celebrated his city hosting several matches of the tournament, a claim that—according to Sherrill—does not reflect the logistical reality of the event. The controversy arose after Mamdani told CBS News that he was “very excited” because “we’re going to be hosting eight matches during the World Cup next summer.” His words prompted an immediate response: “With all due respect to Mayor-elect Mamdani, he may not know where the matches will be played because they’ll be in New Jersey,” Sherrill stated in an interview with station 1010 WINS, emphasizing that her state will bear the brunt of organizing the World Cup. MetLife Stadium and New Jersey’s Prominence: MetLife Stadium, in East Rutherford, New Jersey, will be the host venue in the area. tri-state stadium during June and July 2026. Group stage matches and knockout games, including the tournament final scheduled for July 19, will be played there. The first game in that stadium will be held on June 13, with a Group C match between Brazil and Morocco. Although New York City will not host official matches, it will be a key hub for tourism, cultural activities, and international promotion, thanks to its infrastructure and diversity. Mamdani has even promised to appoint a “World Cup czar” to monitor for price increases for tickets and services, a growing concern among fans and residents. Sherrill, however, insisted that the global spotlight will primarily fall on northern New Jersey and warned that her administration is already reviewing measures to address the tournament's impact on mobility and services.

Congestion Charge and Mamdani's Inauguration

Among the proposals that have generated the most debate is the possibility of imposing a “reverse congestion charge” on New Yorkers crossing into New Jersey to attend the games, a charge similar to the one faced by drivers from the Garden State when entering Manhattan south of 60th Street during rush hour.

“It is possible that those coming from New York will have to pay congestion charges to enjoy the game,” Sherrill said, although he acknowledged that it is still unclear whether he has the legal authority to implement it unilaterally.

From New York, Governor Kathy Hochul adopted a conciliatory tone and assured that there are still no definitive decisions on traffic management. “We look forward to working with New Jersey to have very solid plans,” she stated, anticipating massive crowds in the region.

In parallel to this dispute, Zohran Mamdani is preparing to formally assume office. The mayor-elect will be sworn in as the new mayor of New York City on January 1st at 1:00 PM on the steps of City Hall, in a ceremony that will be streamed online and followed by a community celebration in Lower Manhattan. Mamdani, who will become the city's youngest mayor since 1892, has described the event as "a celebration of the movement" that brought him to power, as the 2026 World Cup begins to shape the political and regional agenda even before the opening whistle.The man who will become the city's youngest mayor since 1892 has described the event as "a celebration of the movement" that brought him to power, as the 2026 World Cup begins to shape the political and regional agenda even before the opening whistle.The man who will become the city's youngest mayor since 1892 has described the event as "a celebration of the movement" that brought him to power, as the 2026 World Cup begins to shape the political and regional agenda even before the opening whistle.