Recent data from the American Hotel and Lodging Association (AHLA) reveals that hotels in U.S. host cities for the 2026 World Cup are experiencing low demand for bookings. The association, which represents over 30,000 hotels nationwide, conducted a survey among members in the 11 host cities. Approximately 80 percent of respondents indicated that bookings are lower than initial forecasts.
World Cup Booking Trends
The 2026 World Cup is set to take place from June 11 to July 19. Many hotel operators expected a surge in bookings, but current performance is disappointing. Among the cities surveyed, over 70 percent of hotels in San Francisco, Seattle, Philadelphia, and Boston reported a slower than expected booking pace. In major cities like Los Angeles, New York City, Houston, and Dallas, over 60 percent noted similar trends.
Mixed Outlook Among Host Cities
- San Francisco, Seattle, Philadelphia, and Boston: Over 70% reported below expectations.
- Los Angeles, New York City, Houston, and Dallas: Over 60% reported below expectations.
- Miami: Just over 50% indicated low bookings.
- Atlanta: Nearly 50% reported subdued demand.
The AHLA’s report suggests that the anticipated economic benefits from the World Cup may not meet expectations. As demand remains uncertain, many hotels are delaying planned investments related to the tournament.
Implications for Host Cities
The report highlights concerns over potential tax revenue losses in host cities, should tourism fail to meet projections. FIFA has estimated an economic impact of $30 billion from the tournament but this heavily relies on tourist attendance during the event.
Kansas City’s Response
In response to the report, Kansas City’s World Cup local organizers emphasized that they anticipate strong attendance from fans representing several countries, including Argentina, Ecuador, and the Netherlands. They also noted a rise in demand for short-term rentals, contradicting the AHLA’s findings.
Factors Affecting International Travel
The decline in hotel bookings can be attributed to several factors, according to the AHLA. Issues such as visa barriers and geopolitical tensions are making it harder for international fans to attend. Some prospective travelers are deterred by U.S. travel restrictions that affect teams from four countries, while other participants face costly visa requirements.
Concerns Over Visa Accessibility
The low utilization of the FIFA Priority Appointment Scheduling System (FIFA PASS) adds to these concerns. As of last weekend, only about 14,000 fans had used the system, despite over five million tickets sold. However, many international tourists may already possess valid visas, negating the need for FIFA PASS.
Financial Considerations for Hotels
In December, hotel prices soared, with average rates reaching $1,013 per night for the tournament period. Currently, prices have decreased significantly, falling more than 40 percent from their peak. The AHLA attributes part of the booking slowdown to FIFA’s cancellations of many hotel reservations, impacting major cities like Boston and Seattle.
FIFA’s Response
In defense of their actions, FIFA stated that their cancellations followed contractual agreements. They assured stakeholders that regular communication about booking adjustments occurred throughout the planning process.
Looking ahead, AHLA President Rosanna Maietta expressed cautious optimism. She indicated that while early enthusiasm may have waned, there exists potential for growth in bookings. It is crucial for the U.S. and FIFA to enhance the experience for international travelers to capture this opportunity.
