“The vibes are good”: NYC sells out $50 World Cup jerseys

New Yorkers lined up overnight near City Hall for limited-edition $50 World Cup jerseys featuring “New York City,” a pigeon, and a soccer ball resembling the Big Apple logo. With just 1,500 jerseys available and two per person, the CityStore saw its busiest mo

At 1 a.m., Chris Pichardo was already waiting—standing in a line that would snake past a federal court building and stretch down Pearl Street as New Yorkers chased a $50 World Cup jersey that looked like it belonged to the city itself.

The line formed at the CityStore near City Hall on Friday, and by noon, city officials said only large sizes were available. Even so, people kept coming with lawn chairs and miniature tents. By the afternoon, one jersey had appeared on eBay for nearly $1,000.

“New York City” is emblazoned on the front of each jersey. alongside a pigeon and a soccer ball designed to resemble the famous Big Apple logo. The limited-edition shirts come in three color schemes: black and white; yellow and black; and blue and red. Deion Desir, 31, a lifelong New Yorker living in East Flatbush, said the draw was simple.

“They’re stylish, you know?” he said.

City officials said Friday was the busiest morning CityStore had ever seen. The idea for the jerseys, officials said, came from Mayor Zohran Mamdani—who pitched the project as a hometown moment tied to the World Cup. The merchandise is made by Mazzi, a local apparel company in Bed-Stuy.

Lyn Leverett, 52, an East Village resident who said she has lived in the city for nearly three decades, came for soccer and for the local business behind the shirts. She described a city that feels different right now—“not known for its positivity.”

“During the pandemic, the company pivoted to making medical gowns for the city,” she said, connecting the jersey to a larger local story. The founders of Mazzi previously made jerseys in Colombia before immigrating to New York in 1983.

The jerseys arrived in what many shoppers framed as a rare burst of optimism during a long season of sports hope. Shaumbe Wright, 32, said he planned to wear his jersey during Game 5 of the NBA Finals on Saturday night, when the Knicks have a chance to win their first championship since 1973.

“I’m a New York fan,” he said. “I prophesied that this is going to be the best summer ever, and it is showing up.”

With only 1,500 jerseys available, the crowd moved fast. Sales were limited to two per person. City officials said they planned to order more jerseys after the initial run.

The jersey push is part of a broader effort by Mamdani and other officials to keep World Cup excitement high across the city. Mamdani has organized free ticket giveaways. watch parties. and fan events. and extended playing time on soccer fields around New York City. In a statement, he said jerseys represent more than fandom.

“Jerseys represent more than just the team you support,” Mamdani said in a statement. “They are about pride in where you come from and who you are. With this limited run, we are offering New Yorkers an affordable jersey made for New Yorkers, by New Yorkers.”

The World Cup matches began in Mexico on Thursday, and New Jersey’s MetLife Stadium will host eight games, including the World Cup final.

For Leverett. the moment isn’t just about the tournament or even the design—it’s the mood in the city. She pointed to the way residents are talking. competing. and cheering as the Knicks chase that long-awaited championship. even suggesting they could take over the role of “America’s team” should they win.

“The vibes are good,” she said. “It’s a wonderful time for us in our city.”

NYC World Cup jerseys CityStore City Hall Zohran Mamdani Mazzi Bed-Stuy MetLife Stadium Knicks Big Apple logo pigeon jersey