New Report Warns World Cup Hotel Bookings Will Fall Short

While over 5 million tickets have been sold for this summer’s 2026 World Cup, hotels around the US are still waiting for those fans to book rooms.

The American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA) released a new report on the industry heading into next summer’s kickoff. It found that 80% of hotels from the cities hosting World Cup matches are reporting bookings far below initial projections. Respondents blamed FIFA’s projections, rising prices, and mounting issues facing international visitors.

The World Cup is set to kick off on July 11. New Jersey is scheduled to host eight matches, including the tournament Final.

FIFA Overcommitment Inflated Expectation

There are myriad reasons for the disappointing number of hotel bookings, most of which laid much of the blame on FIFA.

The league behind the World Cup had reserved a massive number of room blocks at hotels around host cities. This signaled actual expectation for those hotels, which have kept those rooms reserved for fans attending matches to book. 

Unfortunately, the report found that over half of the respondents have seen significant cancellations of FIFA’s room blocks, showing the league has lowered its own expectations. That means those hotels could end up with empty rooms during the massive event, losing out on the expected revenue.

States Scramble to Cover Costs

Another issue impacting hotel reservations for the World Cup is the ever-rising costs. Hotels are already looking to offer higher rates for higher demand, but states and cities are adding fees of their own. That includes New Jersey, which is considering another round of temporary tax hikes for the event.

With hotel booking trending down, those host cities and states are now questioning their own revenue projections for the World Cup. Several are facing large debts, and will now need additional fees and taxes to help cover them. That is resulting in hotel rates continuing to rise, despite declining demand. 

Other Factors Keeping Fans From Visiting the US

Aside from high costs, international fans have far more concerns about attending matches in the US. One of those is the country’s controversial immigration policies, which have made visas far harder to obtain. Visitors could also face federal immigration agents at events, whose true authority remains largely unknown. 

Another factor is the large population of wealthy citizens living in host cities who can afford to attend matches. Many don’t need hotels, nor will they spend money on bars and restaurants in the area. This drives ticket sales, but it is leaving the hospitality industry in dire straits with just one month before the tournament begins.