Zohran Mamdani announces historic Telemundo partnership to screen World Cup games for free in NYC

American sports attention has been split recently. The NBA Finals and UFC Freedom 250 both competed with the World Cup for a short spell, making soccer only one part of a crowded national conversation.

That situation is changing. The USMNT have played well, already secured a knockout-stage place and given casual soccer fans a clear reason to stay involved as the tournament grows.

That momentum now aligns with a new move in New York City, as Mayor Zohran Mamdani has announced a Telemundo partnership designed to bring World Cup matches directly to public sidewalks.

Zohran Mamdani announces free World Cup screenings on LinkNYC kiosks

Mamdani announced that five World Cup matches will be shown on 200 LinkNYC kiosks across New York City, with Spanish-language coverage from Telemundo.

The plan includes four Friday matches and the July 19 final at MetLife Stadium. The first listed game was this Friday’s United States vs Australia.

Zohran Mamdani announces historic Telemundo partnership

Mamdani framed the idea as a way to make the tournament feel accessible beyond stadiums.

He claimed New York is a city of sidewalks as much as stadiums, and that fans should not need a ticket to MetLife to feel connected to the world’s game.

Mamdani’s World Cup project continues his close sports bond

The announcement also fits Mamdani’s increasingly visible connection to sport.

This week, he was deeply involved in the New York Knicks’ NBA championship parade, underlining how closely he has tied himself to the city’s sporting moments.

He was also spotted several times at Madison Square Garden during the Knicks’ title campaign.

Now the World Cup gives him another platform. With the USMNT winning and New York hosting the final, the LinkNYC project seems to arrive at the right moment.

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