New York Launches “Five Borough Winners Special” to Support Local Businesses During FIFA World Cup 2026

New York City is gearing up for the FIFA World Cup 2026 with a new program designed to support local businesses and enhance the fan experience. Mayor Zohran Mamdani unveiled the “Five Borough Winners Special” initiative, aimed at helping small businesses capitalize on the economic opportunities presented by the global football tournament.

The program will feature over 600 participating restaurants and bars across the city, offering special food and drink promotions. The core of the initiative is a $26 menu, providing affordable options for both New Yorkers and visitors during the tournament, which will be held in June and July.

“In New York, you don’t need an expensive ticket to enjoy the World Cup because our small businesses have some of the best seats,” Mayor Mamdani stated in a press release. He emphasized that the “Five Borough Winners Special” is designed to help New Yorkers who are working and visitors alike find reasonably priced places to eat and drink. “Whether you’re watching the game from a restaurant in Jackson Heights, a bar in the Bronx, or a cafe in downtown Brooklyn, the World Cup should be something that all New Yorkers can participate in,” he added.

Julie Coker, CEO of New York City Tourism+Conventions, highlighted that the city wants fans to explore and thoroughly enjoy their time in the metropolitan area. She also mentioned that special promotions and discounts will be available for fans attending the World Cup.

Program Details

The “Five Borough Winners Special” allows businesses to participate in several ways:

$26 Offer: Establishments can offer a fixed-price menu, drink pairings, or other promotions from June 11 to July 19.
Commemorative Glass Giveaway: Participating venues can offer a limited-edition commemorative glass with the purchase of any food or beverage. These glasses will feature different designs for each borough and are intended for cold beverages. Businesses that register before June 11 will receive two free boxes of glasses (96 total), while supplies last.
Combined Offer: Bars and restaurants can combine the $26 special with the complimentary commemorative glass.

Increased Visibility for Businesses

All participating establishments will be listed on a dedicated digital platform. This will increase their visibility and help attract new customers throughout the tournament. The initiative is seen as a crucial way to channel the economic energy of the World Cup towards medium and small-sized establishments.

Welcome World Rewards

In addition to the local business support, Mamdani also promoted the “Welcome World Rewards” program, managed by the NYNJ Organizing Committee. This program allows individuals to register through participating small businesses, earn points, and enter to win prizes. These prizes include exclusive merchandise, fan experiences, and even tickets to the World Cup final, which will be held at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.

Exploring New Neighborhoods

The city is also encouraging fans to venture beyond Manhattan and Brooklyn. The “Neighborhood Passport” will be available at public libraries starting June 11. This passport will guide participants through various immigrant communities, cultural institutions, and businesses, allowing them to collect stamps. The distinctive designs for these stamps have been created by artists from India, Colombia, Iran, the Dominican Republic, Brazil, Vietnam, Ghana, Mexico, and Argentina, highlighting diverse sectors of the city such as Little Senegal, Little Colombia, and Little India.

Key facts
| Initiative Name | Description | Dates |
|—|—|—|
| Five Borough Winners Special | $26 meal deals and commemorative glasses at over 600 locations | June 11 – July 19 |
| Welcome World Rewards | Points-based system for chances to win World Cup prizes | TBD |
| Neighborhood Passport | Collect stamps by visiting diverse neighborhoods and businesses | Starting June 11 |

This initiative underscores New York City’s commitment to making the FIFA World Cup 2026 a truly inclusive event, benefiting both the local economy and the visiting fans. By focusing on small businesses and offering accessible promotions, the city aims to ensure that the spirit of the World Cup is felt throughout all five boroughs.

Source: Clarin Deportes – https://www.clarin.com/estados-unidos/confirmado-nueva-york-zohran-mamdani-crea-programa-apoyo-pequenos-negocios-mundial-fifa-2026_0_i1bSFYoT6S.html

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