Better transit, entertainment needed for NY in hosting 2026 World Cup

One of the Big Apple’s priorities for co-hosting the next World Cup must be figuring out how best to transport and entertain fans from around the world, Mayor Eric Adams said.

After watching Team USA bow out in a 3-1 defeat by the Netherlands, Adams praised the improvements to local transport host country Qatar had made in preparation for this year’s World Cup – and a series of fan festivals that musical performances and other performing artists were hosted in the city of Doha.

New York’s 2026 goals must include establishing express bus routes across the Big Apple to quickly get fans to MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, he told reporters in a video conference call Saturday.

Adams also wants “fan fests” where “fans let off some steam… in a well-organized way.”

Adams, who has earned a reputation as “the mayor of nightlife,” also boasted he’s been on the road a lot since landing in Doha, including the restaurants and even Meet Friday with Emir Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, heir apparent. He declined to discuss his unscheduled visit with the Qatari leader.

Before watching Team USA’s loss, the mayor saluted Coach Gregg Berhalter to wish the team the best of luck. Afterwards, Adams said the club made America proud despite the loss by advancing to the round of 16.

“We want to tip our hats to the American team,” Adams said.

Adams arrived in Doha, Qatar on Thursday to better understand what New York awaits when it co-hosts the FIFA World Cup and he is expected to stay until Sunday. Adams said he’s paying the bill for that trip.

New York and New Jersey have been selected to co-host the 2026 World Cup at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ.

Before arriving in Qatar, Adams was in Athens, Greece to attend the 2022 Mayors Summit Against Antisemitism. The costs of attending the summit will be covered by the organizers.