Watch: Zohran Mamdani joins Rikers Island inmates to watch FIFA World Cup semi-final | Today’s news
Most New Yorkers watched the World Cup semi-final between England and Argentina from packed bars, parks and public fan zones across the city. But Mayor Zohran Mamdani chose an unusual venue for part of the match — Rikers Island, the city’s notorious prison complex that has long been in the spotlight because of allegations of violence, overcrowding and deteriorating conditions.
More than 100 inmates gathered inside the gym in the prison’s main entrance center for a special World Cup screening, where a giant projection screen and football-themed decorations transformed the space into an unlikely fan zone.
Inmates, dressed in brown correctional uniforms, watched the match from tables arranged across the hall. According to corrections officials, the screening was part of a World Cup program launched after the tournament began last month to reward inmates who have remained free of disciplinary incidents for at least 30 days and demonstrated good behavior, the AP reported.
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The World Cup screening at Rikers Island was intended to reward well-behaved inmates by providing a common space to enjoy the game, thereby promoting a sense of humanity and normalcy.
About 4,500 of Rikers Island’s roughly 6,600 inmates attended World Cup screenings during the tournament.
Mayor Zohran Mamdani visited Rikers Island to meet with inmates during the FIFA World Cup semifinals, emphasizing the importance of recognizing their humanity and the positive impact of community events.
The World Cup screenings are intended to improve the atmosphere at Rikers Island by promoting better behavior among inmates and strengthening their sense of community, according to Corrections Commissioner Stanley Richards.
For many prisoners, the screening of the World Cup had an emotional meaning as it allowed them to connect with their loved ones and reminisce about personal football memories.
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Officials said nearly 90 such screenings have been held during the tournament, which has so far been attended by about 4,500 of Rikers Island’s roughly 6,600 inmates.
The mayor talks to the inmates about football
Mamdani arrived shortly before kick-off, took off his jacket and rolled up the sleeves of his white shirt before taking a seat among the prisoners.
He was soon involved in the match talks. One inmate predicted Argentina would beat England before facing Spain in the World Cup final.
“You never know,” Mamdani replied. The mayor has previously said he supports Morocco.
During his visit, he also congratulated a prisoner who said he was due to be released later that day.
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“That’s amazing,” Mamdani said, shaking his hand and patting him on the back.
Reflecting on the impact of the tournament, Mamdani said, “The World Cup was a magical moment for the entire city. These are New Yorkers and they will be New Yorkers when they leave Rikers.”
Corrections Commissioner Stanley Richards, himself a former Rikers inmate, said initiatives such as showing the World Cup are helping to improve the atmosphere inside the prison.
“Programs like this mean safety in our prison,” Richards said. “We tell them that your humanity is to be seen, heard and appreciated.”
For some inmates, the event had a deeper emotional meaning than simply watching football.
“I could do it with my family, you know?” said Ralph Veal, who has been incarcerated since November. “My son, he’s a huge football fan, so it would be great for me and him to have that kind of relationship and bond.
Another inmate, Thomas McCoy, who said he had been incarcerated for 21 months, also praised the catering served during the screening.
“I’ve been locked up for 21 months. It’s been a long time since I’ve had real food like this,” he said.
After Argentina secured their place in the World Cup finals, prisoner Victor Caldas reflected on the meaning of the game.
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“It reminds me of when I was a kid playing football. It’s all about love. Football brings a lot of love,” he said.
“It doesn’t matter where you’re from in the world, you know. It’s about connecting with another culture, other people.”
Rikers remains under federal supervision
The World Cup screening took place against the backdrop of ongoing scrutiny of Rikers Island, which opened in 1935 and faced growing criticism over conditions inside the facility.
Just a day before the game, a federal official overseeing prison reforms presented a plan highlighting persistent operational failures. The report described incidents involving smoky housing units after fires allegedly started by inmates, security failures and violent altercations.
“Violence remains pervasive, basic correctional practice remains unreliable, and unconstitutional conditions persist,” the report said.
Mamdani pledged to comply with a 2019 New York law ordering the closure of Rikers Island, though he acknowledged that the 2027 deadline was unlikely to be met after years of delays.
