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New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani let slip his feelings about Egypt’s World Cup match during a speech about expanding faster bus service across the city.

In a remark that has since gone viral, the politician bluntly stated that the North African nation had been “robbed,” apparently referring to the officiating in Egypt’s Round of 16 clash against Argentina.

Mamdani recently drew comparisons to Barack Obama’s charm after a viral clip showed him cheerfully greeting World Cup fans and helping fasten their stadium-access armbands in the rain.

Zohran Mamdani Slams Officiating In Egypt Match

Beyond politics, Zohran Mamdani is also an avid soccer fan, a side of him that recently came to the forefront following Egypt’s World Cup defeat.

While speaking about improvements to New York City’s bus service, the mayor unexpectedly referenced the tournament, saying the faster commute would give residents “more time to agree with your friend that Egypt were robbed.”

After the remark, Mamdani paused and raised both hands toward the crowd, seemingly to let his words sink in.

The comment prompted loud cheers and applause from those in attendance, who appeared to agree with the mayor’s view of the match.

Mamdani also recently earned praise online after a viral clip showed him cheerfully greeting World Cup fans and helping secure their stadium-access armbands despite the rain.

Mamdani’s Comments Divide World Cup Fans

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Mamdani’s comments were largely criticized by fans who felt Egypt had not been cheated by the officiating decisions.

Many argued that Egypt’s defeat was primarily the result of the team surrendering a two-goal lead, which they viewed as a greater reflection of its inability to hold on to the advantage than of the referee’s performance.

“If you lose a two-goal advantage that is on you, not the ref,” one user commented. Another fan said, “Egypt choked, plain and simple. They gave up a 2-0 lead.”

Others, however, agreed with Mamdani, arguing that the officiating decisions had affected Egypt’s morale long before the team surrendered its lead.

“Egypt did completely breakdown at the end, but something preceded that, and we can’t ignore it,” one user said, referring to a goal in the match that was ruled out.

The Mayor Also Defended US Star Folarin Balogun

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This was not the first comment Mamdani has made regarding officiating decisions during the World Cup since the tournament began in June. The mayor previously weighed in on the United States’ match against Bosnia and Herzegovina, criticizing the decision to show US forward Folarin Balogun a red card.

The red card carried a one-match suspension, which was overturned after Donald Trump intervened by phone with FIFA President Gianni Infantino.

“I think that Folarin Balogun should have never been given that red card. I thought it was a cruel red card,” Mamdani said of the decision. “I also spent most of my time just thinking about the game, and I think I will echo the sentiments of many.”

At the time, he also denied having discussed the red card suspension with Trump.

Zohran Mamdani Highlights New York’s Place In The World Cup

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While Mamdani has recently drawn attention for his criticism of World Cup officiating, his involvement in the tournament has extended far beyond comments about on-pitch events.

As New York and New Jersey continue to serve as host regions for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Mamdani has played an active role in championing initiatives to make the global event more accessible and inclusive for residents and visitors alike.

“The World Cup belongs to New Yorkers,” the mayor said in a statement. “There is no better place on earth to host the world’s game than a city where every nation is already represented, where every language is spoken, and every cuisine is eaten… We have made this World Cup worthy of the people who make New York the greatest city in the world.”

Zohran Mamdani Unveils Affordable World Cup Initiatives

As part of the city’s World Cup preparations, Mamdani’s administration secured 1,000 affordable tickets to the 2026 FIFA World Cup for New Yorkers at $50 per seat, including free round-trip bus transportation to MetLife Stadium.

The initiative was particularly significant as World Cup ticket prices had soared to record highs in the months before the tournament began. Those who were unable to secure tickets could still enjoy live match screenings through the administration’s free, citywide slate of Official NYNJ Fan Events across all five boroughs.

In addition, Mamdani’s administration opened the FIFA Arena, a temporary mini-soccer pitch in Central Park offering free clinics, tournaments, and open-play opportunities throughout the tournament.

The Zohran Mamdani Says Egypt Was ‘Robbed’ At World Cup first appeared on The Blast