New York mayor joins inmates at Rikers jail for World Cup semi-final screening

New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani visited Rikers Island, the city’s largest jail complex, on Wednesday (15 July 2026) and joined inmates watching the FIFA World Cup semi-final between England and Argentina as part of a programme rewarding good behaviour.

More than 100 inmates attended the screening inside a gymnasium at the facility, where they watched the match on a large projection screen while seated at tables.

According to correction officials, the event was one of about 90 World Cup watch parties held at Rikers Island since the tournament began.

World Cup screenings at Rikers Island

Officials said around 4,500 of the approximately 6,600 inmates currently held at Rikers Island have participated in World Cup-related viewing events.

Stanley Richards, New York City’s correction commissioner, said such programmes were intended to promote safety and engagement within the facility.

“Programs like this equal safety in our jail,” Richards said.

“What we say to them is that your humanity is seen, heard and valued.”

During his visit, Mamdani spoke with inmates seated throughout the gymnasium and discussed the match with them.

“The World Cup has been a magical moment for the entire city,” Mamdani said.

“These are New Yorkers, and they will be New Yorkers when they get out of Rikers.”

A programme amid wider scrutiny

The visit came as Rikers Island continues to face criticism over conditions inside the jail complex, including concerns about violence, overcrowding and management practices.

The facility, located on an island in the East River between Queens and the Bronx, has been under federal oversight following years of legal challenges and calls for reform.

According to a report submitted by federal overseer Nicholas Deml on Tuesday (14 July 2026), inspectors continued to identify serious issues at the facility.

The report described incidents involving fires set by inmates, security failures and violence between prisoners.

“Violence remains pervasive, basic correctional practices remain unreliable, and unconstitutional conditions persist,” the report stated.

Reform efforts and closure plans

Mamdani has pledged to uphold a 2019 New York City law requiring the closure of Rikers Island.

However, he has acknowledged that the planned 2027 closure timeline is unlikely to be achieved due to delays in developing replacement facilities.

The mayor’s visit was part of efforts to engage with inmates while the city continues discussions over the future of the jail system.

For some inmates, the World Cup screening provided an opportunity for recreation and connection.

Ralph Veal, an inmate who has been incarcerated since November, said watching the match reminded him of spending time with his family.

“I could be doing this with my family,” Veal said. “My son, he’s a big soccer fan, so this would be great for me and him to have that relationship and that bond.”

Another inmate, Victor Caldas, said football helped bring people together regardless of their backgrounds.

“It’s all about love. Soccer brings a lot of love,” Caldas said.

“It’s about bonding with another culture, other people.”