US World Cup 2026 hotel bookings lag as demand falls short of expectations

A majority of hotels across the 11 United States host cities for the 2026 FIFA World Cup are reporting weaker-than-expected demand for accommodation during the tournament, raising fresh questions about the scale of its projected economic impact.

New data released by the American Hotel and Lodging Association (AHLA), which represents more than 30,000 properties nationwide, shows that nearly 80% of surveyed members in host cities say bookings are “tracking below initial forecasts”. The tournament is due to take place between 11 June and 19 July, marking the first time the expanded 48-team competition will be staged across North America, with the US hosting the majority of matches.

The findings are based on 205 responses from hotel operators and owners, many of whom manage multiple properties across different host markets. According to the AHLA, the data indicates that current booking performance is significantly softer than anticipated, despite expectations that the World Cup would drive a surge in international tourism and associated spending.

In several major cities, the shortfall appears particularly pronounced. More than 70% of respondents in San Francisco, Seattle, Philadelphia and Boston reported that booking levels are below expectations. Over 60% of respondents in Los Angeles, New York City, Houston and Dallas said the same.

The relatively strongest outlooks were recorded in Miami, where just over half of respondents still reported bookings below expectations, and Atlanta, where the figure was slightly lower. Even in these comparatively resilient markets, however, demand has yet to match early projections.

Drawing on feedback from its members, the AHLA concluded that “indicators suggest the anticipated economic lift may fall short of expectations”. That assessment reflects a growing unease within parts of the hospitality and tourism sectors, where early optimism about the scale of World Cup-related demand has been tempered in recent months.

The report suggests that uncertainty around bookings has already begun to affect business decisions. Some hotel operators have paused or scaled back planned investments linked specifically to the tournament, including marketing campaigns, brand partnerships and temporary refurbishments intended to attract visiting supporters. The AHLA warned that if occupancy levels remain subdued, host cities may also fall short of projected tax revenues tied to visitor spending.

The economic case for hosting the tournament has been strongly promoted by Gianni Infantino, president of FIFA, who has repeatedly cited estimates that the World Cup could generate up to $30bn in economic impact across the United States. Such projections, however, rely heavily on large numbers of international visitors travelling to attend matches and related events.

Local organisers in Kansas City offered a more optimistic interpretation of current trends, pushing back against the suggestion that demand is faltering. They said embassies from several participating countries, including Argentina, Ecuador, the Netherlands, Curaçao, Austria and Canada, are planning to deploy consular teams to the city in anticipation of significant numbers of travelling supporters.

Officials also pointed to local reports indicating increased demand for short-term rental accommodation, suggesting that some visitors may be opting for alternatives to traditional hotels. According to the Kansas City host committee, feedback from the regional tourism body Visit KC indicates that demand is building, albeit in a pattern that differs from earlier expectations. Bookings are said to be increasingly concentrated among domestic travellers and are being made closer to the dates of travel.

This shift towards later booking behaviour may be contributing to the perception of weaker demand, particularly among hotels that had anticipated a longer lead time for reservations. It also reflects broader changes in travel habits, where uncertainty and cost considerations have encouraged more flexible planning.

Nevertheless, the AHLA report aligns with concerns expressed by tourism industry leaders earlier in the year, many of whom warned that international visitor numbers might not reach the levels originally forecast. The report states that domestic travellers are currently outpacing international arrivals, an imbalance that could limit the overall economic benefits associated with the tournament.

Further evidence of slower-than-expected international uptake can be seen in the relatively low use of the FIFA Priority Appointment Scheduling System, introduced by US authorities to expedite visa interviews for World Cup attendees from countries without visa waiver agreements. As of late April, only around 14,000 people had used the system, despite FIFA’s assertion that more than five million tickets have been sold.

A spokesperson for the US State Department said the figures should be interpreted with caution. Many prospective visitors may already hold valid visas, while nationals from 42 countries are eligible to travel without one under existing waiver programmes. The spokesperson also noted that visa processing times have improved significantly since 2025, with the majority of US consulates now reporting waiting periods of less than two months, reducing the need for expedited appointment systems.

The AHLA identified several factors that may be contributing to the softer demand for hotel accommodation. Respondents cited visa barriers and broader geopolitical concerns among the most significant constraints on international travel. Travel restrictions affecting some participating nations, as well as additional requirements such as financial bond deposits for visa applicants from certain countries, were also highlighted as potential deterrents.

Cost pressures appear to be another important consideration. The report pointed to increased expenses linked to state and local policies, including transport costs, as factors that may discourage potential visitors. One example cited was the pricing of rail services to major venues, which has drawn criticism in some markets.

While the AHLA report focuses primarily on external factors, it does not examine in detail the role of hotel pricing itself. In the period following the World Cup draw, room rates in several host cities rose sharply, in some cases reaching levels that may have deterred early bookings. Subsequent data suggests that prices have since fallen significantly, with mid-June rates in US host cities declining by more than 40% from their peak.

The report also does not address ticket pricing by FIFA, which has been another point of contention among fans. High ticket costs may have limited accessibility for some supporters, particularly those travelling from overseas, further influencing overall demand patterns.

A central point of criticism in the AHLA report is directed at FIFA’s management of hotel room allocations. According to the association, the governing body initially reserved large blocks of accommodation across host cities, creating an early signal of strong demand. However, as the tournament approached, many of these reservations were cancelled under contractual provisions, releasing significant inventory back into the market.

The AHLA described this as an “over-commitment” that created an artificial impression of demand which later unravelled. In some cities, including Boston, Dallas, Los Angeles, Philadelphia and Seattle, cancellations were said to have exceeded 70% of contracted room blocks.

Hotel operators argue that this had a disruptive effect on their planning, distorting revenue forecasts and complicating staffing and operational decisions. Some also reported that cancellations occurred relatively close to the start of the tournament, leaving limited time to adjust pricing strategies and attract alternative bookings.

FIFA rejected the suggestion that it had acted without transparency. In a statement responding to the report, a spokesperson said all room releases were conducted in accordance with agreed contractual timelines and reflected standard practice for events of this scale. The organisation added that, in some cases, rooms were released earlier than required to provide additional flexibility for hotel partners.

The spokesperson also said FIFA had maintained regular communication with hotel stakeholders throughout the planning process, including discussions on room allocations, pricing and inventory adjustments. The governing body emphasised that global demand for the tournament remains strong, pointing to ticket sales and sustained international interest.

Despite the current concerns, the AHLA said there remains an opportunity to improve outcomes in the months leading up to the tournament. The association urged policymakers and organisers to focus on creating a more accessible and welcoming environment for international visitors, including measures to streamline travel processes and avoid additional costs that could discourage attendance.

Rosanna Maietta, the AHLA’s president and chief executive, said that while early optimism has been moderated, forward indicators still point to meaningful potential. She called for coordinated efforts between US authorities and FIFA to ensure that the tournament delivers on its economic promises.

As preparations continue, the gap between expectations and current booking trends highlights the uncertainty that can accompany large-scale global events. Whether demand strengthens closer to kick-off may ultimately determine whether the tournament achieves the level of economic impact that has been widely forecast.