US state to offer diners $26 restaurant meals for six weeks of the World Cup

NEW YORK, NEW YORK – JULY 01: FIFA World Cup Trophy on display during the official Trophy Tour around FIFA 2026 World Cup host cities on July 01, 2024 in New York City. (Photo by Mike Stobe – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images) Credit: Getty

DINERS in one US state can look forward to a summer of deals on food and drink as local leadership puts an emphasis on affordability.

The news comes as tourists flood to the area from across the country and globe for an exciting event.

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New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani has launched a new restaurant program centered around the World Cup.

For six weeks, beginning June 11 and ending July 19, hundreds of New York City restaurants will offer customers $26 specials, creating incentive for visitors and city residents alike to explore the local dining scene.

Dubbed the Five Borough Winners Specials, the program is timed around the World Cup, many games of which will take place at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.

Participating restaurants and bars can create $26 specials in the form of a prix fixe, food and drink combinations, or drink deals, according to a press release.

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“In New York City, you do not need an expensive ticket to be part of the World Cup. Our small businesses have some of the best seats in the house,” said Mamdani in the press release.

“The Five Borough Winners Special will help working New Yorkers and visitors find a reliably priced place to eat and drink while driving more business into neighborhoods across our city.”

“Whether you are watching the match from a restaurant in Jackson Heights, a bar in the Bronx or a cafe in Central Brooklyn, the World Cup should be something every New Yorker can take part in.”

Nearly 600 restaurants have already signed up to participate, according to the release, and registration is open until July 1.

All five boroughs will be represented by a variety of restaurants.

The full list will be available on the city’s website by the time the global soccer tournament begins.

Bars and restaurants can also opt to offer a limited-edition World Cup-themed cup designed for each borough, created by Arsh Raziuddin.

Those who wish to offer the cups can sign up by June 11 to receive two free cases of cups – 96 cups total – while supplies last, according to a press release from the Mayor’s office.

“As New York City prepares to welcome visitors from around the globe for the World Cup, we want fans to explore and experience as much of our great city as possible,” said Julie Coker, President and CEO of New York City Tourism + Conventions.

“From special promotions and discounts to giveaways and beyond, there are countless ways for business owners to get involved in the festivities and show off their World Cup spirit.”  

People can take advantage of the $26 meal deals in tandem with Mamdani’s neighborhood passport program, in which stamps can be collected by going to neighborhoods, museums, and events across the boroughs.

The passports are available at all New York Public Library locations.