New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani spent part of the World Cup watching England take on Argentina alongside more than 100 inmates inside Rikers Island, one of the nation's most notorious jail complexes.
While fans across the city packed bars, parks and offices for the semifinal, Mamdani joined incarcerated men gathered in a gymnasium at the jail's main intake center, where a giant projection screen and soccer-themed balloon displays transformed the space into an unlikely watch party.
The event is part of a World Cup program the jail has run since the tournament began last month. Officials say the screenings are reserved for inmates who have remained incident-free for at least 30 days and demonstrated good behavior.
Arriving shortly before kickoff, Mamdani ditched his trademark suit jacket and rolled up the sleeves of his white dress shirt before taking a seat among the inmates.
He quickly joined conversations about the match. One inmate predicted Argentina would beat England before facing Spain in the final.
"You never know," replied Mamdani, who has previously said he supports Morocco.
The mayor also stopped to congratulate another inmate, who told him he would be released later that day.
"That's amazing," Mamdani said, shaking his hand and patting him on the back.
About 20 minutes into the match, Mamdani departed the facility.
The World Cup watch parties have become an unexpected fixture inside Rikers. Jail officials say roughly 90 screenings have been held so far, with about 4,500 of the jail's approximately 6,600 inmates taking part.
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