Ahead of the 2026 World Cup, US hotels complain of low bookings

Written by: Mohamed Ragab

The association reported Hotels The US Accommodation Association said that hotel bookings related to the 2026 World Cup are still far below industry expectations, despite the approaching start date of the global event.

The association explained, in a survey that included its members in 11 urban areas American From New York to Los Angeles, some 80% of participants confirmed that the pace of bookings came in below initial estimates, reflecting a state of caution in the travel market related to the tournament.

Visas are the biggest obstacle

Some 65% survey participants indicated that visa restrictions and broader geopolitical concerns are among the main factors curbing demand for accommodation, especially for international fans.

Association president Rosanna Maietta said that “a number of factors dampened early optimism,” despite indications of future growth opportunities, stressing the need to facilitate the travel experience to ensure full benefit from the event.

Calls to facilitate travel procedures 

The association called on the US government and FIFA to work together to provide a seamless and welcoming experience for international travelers, stressing that improving entry procedures could contribute to higher booking rates in the coming period.

Despite assurances from the Donald Trump administration that visa procedures would be eased for ticket holders, these applications will still be subject to strict security vetting, raising concerns among some fans.

The tournament is being held in three countries 

The United States is scheduled to host the tournament in partnership with Mexico and Canada, with the opening match taking place in Mexico City on June 11, while the final will be held in New Jersey on July 19.

Groups of fans have expressed concern about rising ticket prices and travel costs, along with speculation in the secondary market, which could affect attendance.

The report also noted that some of the group bookings made by FIFA, a large part of which were later cancelled, created an «artificial early demand signal,» which inflated initial expectations.

Performance varies between American cities

The survey revealed a marked disparity between cities, with Kansas City recording booking levels even lower than usual for the summer, while participants in cities such as Boston, Philadelphia, San Francisco and Seattle described the tournament as a “non-event” in terms of its current impact on the hotel sector.

This decline reflects real challenges facing the hospitality sector ahead of the world's most prominent sporting event, amid hopes for a recovery in demand as the matches approach.