FIFA World Cup 2026: US Hotel Bookings Fall Short of Expectations

The American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA) reported that hotel bookings for the 2026 FIFA World Cup are below expectations. The organization’s members have confirmed that bookings are below expectations, even compared to ordinary months without major events. The AHLA surveyed hotel owners and operators across all 11 host cities in the United States, with 80% of all respondents confirming that the current bookings were below projections.

The AHLA noted that domestic travelers are outpacing international travelers, creating an imbalance that threatens the larger economic impact. The AHLA cited lengthy visa procedures and geopolitical uncertainty as reasons for the underwhelming outcomes. The FIFA PASS expedited visa process, allowing World Cup ticket-holders to visit the country on an expedited schedule, has only benefited 14,000 people so far.

Rosanna Maietta, the AHLA’s President & CEO, urged the United States and FIFA to make it easier for foreigners to travel to the country and attend the event. The news comes at a time when Canadian travelers to the United States have also dropped by 17% on an annual basis. There are opportunities to be had - the US needs to act now.