APTOPIX New York WCup Soccer Reaction

Rikers Island inmate Ralph Veal celebrates an English goal with a corrections officer during the World Cup semifinal soccer match between England and Argentina, at the jail complex in New York, Wednesday, July 15, 2026.

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

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

More than 100 inmates at the sprawling Rikers Island correctional facility gathered in a gymnasium at the complex’s main intake center to watch Wednesday’s semifinal match between England and Argentina. Arriving inmates dressed in tan uniforms took seats at tables facing a projection screen showing the game. Colorful balloon towers topped by soccer ball balloons framed the screen. The special event is for inmates who have shown good behavior, including being incident free for at least 30 days. The jail has been hosting watch parties since the tournament kicked off last month.