US World Cup Hotel Bookings Below Projections

A new survey by the American Hotel and Lodging Association reveals that hotel bookings in most U.S. host cities for the 2026 FIFA World Cup are tracking well below initial projections, with 80 percent of operators reporting shortfalls just over a month before the tournament's opening match on June 11 in Mexico City.

The association's FIFA World Cup 2026 Hotel Outlook, based on responses from more than 200 hotel operators and owners across 11 U.S. metropolitan areas including New York, Los Angeles, Houston and Kansas City, was released this week. It highlights a lack of anticipated international visitors, despite over 5 million tickets sold for the expanded 48-team event co-hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada. The tournament final is set for July 19 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.

Roughly 65 to 70 percent of respondents cited visa processing delays and geopolitical concerns as primary barriers suppressing demand from overseas travelers, who were expected to spend more and stay longer than domestic guests. Other factors include high ticket prices starting at $2,730 for group-stage matches, elevated airfares, a strong U.S. dollar and transportation costs. FIFA has...