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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
National
Philip Marcelo

NYC’s Rikers Island jail hosts World Cup watch party for inmates

New York WCup Soccer Reaction - (Copyright 2026 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.)

Offices, public parks, bars — watch parties popped up at all the usual spots for Wednesday’s semifinal World Cup match. But one was in something of an unusual location: New York’s sprawling Rikers Island correctional facility, better known for its overcrowding and mismanagement woes than for hosting social events.

More than 100 inmates dressed in tan uniforms took seats at tables facing a projection screen showing the game in a gymnasium at the complex’s main intake center to watch the semifinal match between England and Argentina. Colorful balloon towers topped by soccer ball balloons framed the screen.

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