The American Hotel & Lodging Association’s report indicates that hotel bookings for the 2026 World Cup in the U.S. are significantly lower than expected, raising concerns about the anticipated economic benefits of the event.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup, set to be hosted across multiple cities in the United States, is facing potential challenges that could undermine its economic impact on the tourism sector. A recent report released by the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA) reveals that hotel bookings in nearly all host cities are falling short of expectations, prompting fears that the anticipated influx of visitors may not materialize.
The AHLA, which represents over 32,000 properties and more than 80% of all franchised hotels in the U.S., underscores that the current booking levels do not align with FIFA’s earlier claims regarding ticket sales. FIFA announced that over five million tickets have been sold; however, the AHLA contends that this has not translated into corresponding hotel reservations, thus heightening concerns that the economic uplift projected from the event could fall short.
FIFA’s Room Booking Strategy Under Scrutiny
In its report, the AHLA partially attributes the low booking numbers to FIFA’s strategy of block-booking a substantial number of hotel rooms for its own use, which the association argues has created a false sense of demand. Following the cancellation of a large number of these reserved rooms, the association claims that the resulting vacuum has led to artificially inflated prices, deterring potential visitors.
A FIFA spokesperson responded, stating that the organization does not recognize the claims made by the AHLA. According to FIFA, all room releases were conducted in accordance with contractually agreed timelines with hotel partners, and were part of standard practices for events of this scale. The spokesperson emphasized that FIFA’s accommodations team maintained regular communication with hotel stakeholders throughout the planning process, including room block adjustments and rate agreements.
Economic Implications of Lower Visitor Numbers
As the tournament approaches, with the opening match scheduled for June 11, the potential economic impact of the World Cup is significant. A study commissioned by FIFA last year predicted that the event could create approximately 185,000 jobs and contribute $17.2 billion to the U.S. gross domestic product. Hotels had prepared for an anticipated influx of international travelers, who typically stay longer and spend more compared to domestic visitors.
However, the AHLA warns that a decline in overseas fans could threaten the broader economic impact, particularly with less than a month remaining before the tournament begins. The association noted that FIFA’s large-scale bookings in cities such as Boston, Dallas, Los Angeles, Philadelphia, and Seattle influenced revenue forecasts and staffing plans, creating a mismatch between actual tourist flow and earlier predictions.
Reports indicate that up to 70% of the rooms reserved by FIFA in key host cities have been cancelled, further complicating the situation for hotels that have invested significantly based on official projections.
Challenges in Attracting Fans
Several factors have contributed to the hesitance of potential visitors to secure accommodations for the event. High ticket prices, local transportation costs, and the prevailing political climate have been cited as deterrents. For example, hotel prices in cities like Boston remain above $300 per night, which may be prohibitive for many fans who are operating on tighter budgets.
Chris Hancock, an England fan who has attended four World Cups, expressed his concerns about rising accommodation costs. Hancock and his group of five plan to stay outside of city centers to manage expenses, opting for a mix of hotels and Airbnb bookings in locations that offer more affordable options.
The AHLA remains optimistic, suggesting that occupancy rates may strengthen as the tournament date approaches. A spokesperson indicated that many fans are awaiting ticket confirmations and clearer schedules before finalizing their travel plans. The association believes that as these factors come into focus, hotel bookings will increase in the lead-up to the event.
Airbnb’s Competitive Position
Meanwhile, Airbnb has projected that the 2026 World Cup could become the largest hosting event in its history, potentially surpassing the 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games in Paris. This shift could represent a significant change in how travel accommodations are utilized during major events.
Despite the challenges facing traditional hotels, industry analysts suggest that hotels may still benefit from last-minute bookings during the knockout rounds, when fans often seek accommodations on short notice. However, the overall revenue generated from the World Cup might not align with earlier optimistic predictions, leaving stakeholders to navigate a complex landscape as the tournament approaches.
