Brazil’s Lula Meets Mamdani Ahead of Elections

Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva met New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani on Monday, September 21, 2026, at an Upper East Side house that serves as the residence and office of the Brazilian representation to the United Nations. They spoke to reporters afterward and exchanged soccer jerseys. Lula arrived in New York on Sunday night ahead of the UN General Assembly, leading a 73-person delegation. He also met Uruguayan President Yamandú Orsí on Monday. Lula is scheduled to speak first at the 81st UN General Assembly session, before Donald Trump, and coverage noted planned meetings with Senator Bernie Sanders. Lula is seeking a fourth non-consecutive term, with Brazil's first-round presidential election on October 4. U.S. midterm elections are in November. One account said Mamdani requested the meeting. One account said the election will feature 13 candidates. Contested points: none identified. Next steps center on Lula's UN address and the approaching votes in both countries.