New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani has drawn criticism for attending a FIFA World Cup semifinal watch party with inmates at Rikers Island. The event, held on July 15, 2026, featured inmates watching the England-Argentina match.
Mamdani's office stated that approximately 4,500 of Rikers Island's 6,600 inmates participated in about 90 watch parties held during the tournament as a reward for good behavior. The mayor greeted inmates and spoke with attendees, emphasizing the importance of recognizing their humanity. "These are New Yorkers, and they will be New Yorkers when they get out of Rikers," Mamdani said, according to a news release from his office.
Correction Commissioner Stanley Richards defended the programming, stating, "Programs like this equal safety in our jail." Mamdani had previously appointed Richards, a former Rikers inmate, as correction commissioner earlier in the year, pledging to overhaul the city's jail system. Rikers Island has been under federal oversight due to issues including violence, staffing shortages, and unconstitutional conditions.
Among the inmates present at the watch party was Thomas McCoy, 52, who was convicted in May on two counts of second-degree criminal possession of a loaded firearm, along with misdemeanor charges of criminal use of drug paraphernalia and criminal possession of a controlled substance. McCoy, who had been incarcerated for 21 months, was awaiting sentencing on July 22 and was on remand without bail following his conviction. He was interviewed by The Associated Press at the event, noting it was the first time in a long while he had enjoyed "real food."
Another inmate interviewed, Ralph Veal, is awaiting trial in Manhattan on felony charges of third-degree grand larceny and criminal possession of stolen property, having pleaded not guilty.
Mamdani's office highlighted the Rikers watch parties as part of the city's broader World Cup initiatives, which also included free fan festivals, discounted tickets, and neighborhood watch parties. Fox News Digital has submitted public records requests seeking details about inmate eligibility for the watch parties and whether individuals charged with or convicted of violent felonies participated. The requests also inquired if Mamdani was briefed on the criminal histories of attendees prior to his visit.
