On Tuesday, June 9, with only four days left until the 2026 World Cup in New York and New Jersey, Mayor Mamdani released an official video welcoming the millions of upcoming World Cup spectators and tourists.
“Welcome to the greatest city in the world!” Mamdani stepped out of an open New York subway door, with the Hudson River quickly becoming the background. Holding a soccer ball, he introduced the “greatest city in the world” to the millions of visitors to this city.
“New York City has over 8 million residents, 800 languages, and over 300 neighborhoods, from the Senegalese enclaves in Manhattan to the Sri Lankan communities on the north shore of Staten Island. In New York, you will never feel far from home.”
Mamdani said, “Whether you are here for a short visit or an extended stay, there is so much to explore in New York.”
Next, Mamdani shared some important information that tourists exploring New York City should know. He first introduced the city’s public transportation system, “We have the largest 24-hour public transportation system in the world, but don’t worry, getting around is much easier than you think. The official Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) app or any map app can assist you. If you’re unsure, just ask someone. New Yorkers are generally more helpful than we often think.”
“New York has the best museums in the world,” Mamdani said. Besides that, “In the beautiful summer days, our city has over 30,000 acres of parks and beaches, making it a great place for leisure and relaxation. It’s known as the ‘City that Never Sleeps’ for a reason, as every neighborhood is filled with food, arts, and nightlife… On behalf of every New Yorker, welcome home, my friends!”
This video was shot by the city government team across the five boroughs of New York City, capturing the street scenes of daily life in the city: subway platforms, sidewalks, parks, and taxis. The video also featured a Chinese-American taxi driver, Richard Chow, a member of the New York Taxi Workers Union who participated in a hunger strike protest with the current mayor in 2021 – during the filming process, he picked up the mayor and drove him through the city.
This video will be shown on the city government’s digital channels, all taxi screens across the city, and at World Cup viewing parties. For more information, please visit NYCtourism.com.
On the same day, Mamdani also announced the launch of the New York City Summer Welcome Corps, a volunteer service unit under the mayor’s office, in collaboration with the New York City Emergency Management and New York Cares – the city’s first volunteer cooperation project of this kind, deploying volunteers to greet and assist the millions of visitors expected to flock to the city during this summer’s sports events and celebrations.
The Summer Welcome Corps is recruiting volunteers, with no experience required. Participants must be at least 18 years old and pass a background check. Volunteers will only need to dedicate a few hours and be prepared to help others. They will assist visitors with directions, help them navigate the city, guide them to shady areas and water spots in the hot weather, provide assistance to visitors with disabilities, and support each other in each shift to ensure everyone’s safety.
Those interested can visit the official website and register at: https://www.nycservice.org/welcomecorps