Zohran Mamdani called the US travel bans and visa regulations for the World Cup 2026 a “betrayal” of the game.
Speaking to Gary Lineker on The Rest is Football podcast on Monday (6 July), the New York City mayor said the decision to implement travel restrictions for several teams was not in line with the ethos of the game.
“I think if you see some of the most beautiful moments of this tournament, even in the city, it is the celebration of the world despite those kinds of actions.”
Lineker agreed, stating that he admired the way that “fans from all different countries all over the world, different religions, different colours have come together” to celebrate the tournament.
