New Delhi, July 16 -- For most New Yorkers, the FIFA World Cup semifinal between England and Argentina was watched from packed bars, parks and public fan zones across the city. Mayor Zohran Mamdani, however, chose an unusual venue for part of the match - Rikers Island, the city's notorious jail complex that has long been in the spotlight over allegations of violence, overcrowding and deteriorating conditions.

More than 100 inmates gathered inside a gymnasium at the jail's main intake centre for a special World Cup screening, where a giant projection screen and football-themed decorations transformed the space into an unlikely fan zone.

The inmates, dressed in tan correctional uniforms, watched the match from tables arranged across the h...