Mamdani sparks fierce backlash for World Cup stunt 'palling around' with Rikers Island convicts

This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. ©2026 FOX News Network, LLC. All rights reserved. Quotes displayed in real-time or delayed by at least 15 minutes. Market data provided by Factset. Powered and implemented by FactSet Digital Solutions. Legal Statement. Mutual Fund and ETF data provided by LSEG. New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani is sparking online backlash for going to Rikers Island to watch the World Cup semifinal soccer match between England and Argentina with prisoners. (Credit: Associated Press - July 15) Controversial New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani is being torn to shreds for fraternizing with inmates at Rikers Island while they watched the World Cup semifinals on Wednesday afternoon. The Associated Press filmed Mamdani walking into a recreation room where inmates in tan jumpsuits were watching the game between Argentina and England. He sat down at a table and smiled while speaking to the inmates as the audio of the game played in the background. His voice was then dubbed over the video. MAMDANI DEFENDS CONTROVERSIAL NYC MAP AFTER OMITTING ICONIC LITTLE ITALY, JEWISH AND IRISH NEIGHBORHOODS New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani speaks