NYC Restaurants Offer $26 World Cup Special

Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani, NYC Tourism + Conventions and the FIFA World Cup 2026 New York New Jersey Host Committee said on May 22 that New York City will roll out a citywide $26 dining promotion tied to the 2026 World Cup. The program, called the Five Borough Winners Special, will offer fixed-price meal and drink specials at participating bars, restaurants and other food businesses across all five boroughs. Nearly 600 businesses had already signed up as of the announcement, according to the mayor’s office. The promotion is part of a broader push by city officials and tourism organizers to steer visitors and New Yorkers into neighborhood businesses during the tournament. ### What exactly is the $26 offer? The Five Borough Winners Special will give customers “$26 drink and meal specials” at participating establishments, according to the mayor’s office. City officials described it as New York City’s official citywide dining program for the World Cup, with restaurants, bars and food establishments setting qualifying offers at that price point. (nyc.gov) NYC Tourism’s participation materials say establishments can choose what to offer for $26, rather than follow a single preset menu. The same materials describe the program as a proprietary NYC Tourism initiative and refer to “$26 Offers + Limited-Edition Cup,” indicating some businesses may also take part in a cup-related promotion while supplies last. (nyc.gov) ### How many restaurants are involved, and where are they? Nearly 600 businesses across all five boroughs had already enrolled by May 22, the mayor’s office said. The city said the program spans Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx and Staten Island, and includes bars, restaurants and other food establishments rather than only full-service restaurants. (assets.ctfassets.net) Mayor Mamdani said the goal is to make the tournament accessible beyond stadium ticket holders. “In New York City, you do not need an expensive ticket to be part of the World Cup,” he said in the announcement, adding that small businesses have “some of the best seats in the house.” ### When will the specials run? (nyc.gov) The World Cup begins on June 11, 2026, and the final is scheduled for July 19 in New York New Jersey, according to FIFA. The mayor’s office said the Five Borough Winners Special will run “throughout the tournament,” tying the dining promotion to that June 11-to-July 19 window. (nyc.gov) A participating restaurant page for Twenty-Sevens in Manhattan lists the Five Borough Winners Special from June 11, 2026, through July 19, 2026. That listing matches the tournament dates cited by FIFA and the city’s description of the promotion. ### Why is the city pairing restaurants with the World Cup? Julie Coker, president and chief executive of New York City Tourism + Conventions, said the city wants fans to “explore and experience as much of our great city as possible” during the tournament. (fifa.com) The mayor’s office said the dining promotion is intended to give visitors and residents reliably priced options while driving business into neighborhoods across the city. (twentysevensnyc.com) The dining offer is one of several small-business programs announced alongside the World Cup buildup. The same May 22 announcement highlighted the NYNJ Host Committee’s “Welcome World Rewards” program, which will let people check in at participating small businesses, earn points and become eligible for prizes including merchandise, fan experiences and a chance to attend the World Cup final on July 19 at MetLife Stadium. (nyc.gov) ### How can diners and businesses find participating spots? Mayor Mamdani said food establishments that want to join can enroll through NYC Tourism’s World Cup toolkit. The mayor’s office said participating businesses will also appear on the Welcome World Rewards platform, where customers can earn points for visiting them. (nyc.gov) NYC Tourism’s World Cup cuisine materials describe the program as open to food- and drink-related businesses in New York City. FIFA says the tournament opens on June 11 and ends with the July 19 final in the New York New Jersey region, giving diners a defined window to watch for participating venues and offers as the event approaches. (admintools.nyctourism.com) (nyc.gov)