World Cup hotel bookings are far below expectations

A Hospitality Crisis Five Weeks Out

The 2026 World Cup, cohosted by the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, is facing a stark reality: hotels in nearly every host city are struggling to fill rooms, and the data confirms a downturn that defies expectations. A survey of 205 hotel operators—representing portfolios across 11 U.S. metropolitan areas—revealed that 80% of respondents are tracking bookings below initial forecasts, with some cities like Kansas City seeing demand lower than typical June or July levels. The American Hotel and Lodging Association (AHLA), which conducted the research, attributed the shortfall to two primary factors: large-scale cancellations by FIFA and a sharp decline in international visitors.

The discrepancy is striking. Despite the sale of over 5 million tickets—a record for the tournament—hotel occupancy rates are not reflecting the anticipated surge. The AHLA’s report, released May 1, underscored that this demand has not yet translated into strong hotel bookings, a sentiment echoed by industry analysts who point to visa barriers and broader geopolitical concerns as key inhibitors.

For cities like Miami and Atlanta, the outlook is slightly brighter. More than half of Miami respondents reported bookings ahead of expectations, though the broader trend remains weak. The contrast highlights how localized factors—such as proximity to international airports or cultural appeal—can mitigate, but not reverse, the overarching downturn.

FIFA’s Cancellations and the Visa Hurdle

The AHLA survey pinpointed FIFA’s role in the shortfall, noting large cancellations by FIFA as a direct contributor to the empty rooms. While the organization has not publicly detailed the scale of these cancellations, industry insiders suggest they stem from logistical adjustments, including reduced group travel packages and last-minute changes to match schedules. These moves, intended to streamline operations, have instead left hotels with surplus capacity.

Yet the more pressing issue is the visa landscape. The Trump administration’s crackdown on visitor visas—particularly for non-European travelers—has created a significant deterrent. While FIFA has assured that ticket holders will receive expedited visa processing, the broader geopolitical climate has soured perceptions of the U.S. as a welcoming destination. A recent statement from AHLA President Rosanna Maietta framed the challenge bluntly: A range of factors have tempered early optimism, though forward indicators show there is still meaningful opportunity ahead. To capitalize on that opportunity, she emphasized, the US and FIFA must ensure a welcoming and seamless experience for international travellers.

For more on this story, see 2026 World Cup Shock: US Hotels Slash Prices to Survive.

Fan groups have amplified these concerns, citing not only visa difficulties but also the secondary market’s inflated ticket prices and the logistical nightmare of navigating U.S. transportation hubs. The combination of these factors has created a perfect storm: high costs, bureaucratic hurdles, and a lack of urgency among potential attendees.

The Geopolitical Shadow Over the Tournament

The World Cup’s status as a global spectacle is being overshadowed by the U.S.’s international reputation. Reports from NBC Sports and Al Jazeera highlight how the country’s image abroad—marred by visa restrictions, political rhetoric, and perceived hostility toward foreign visitors—has dampened enthusiasm. Currently, we don’t have the greatest reputation beyond our borders, noted NBC Sports, adding that the prospect of making a trip from a foreign country to America isn’t nearly as attractive as it has been in the past.

This sentiment is not isolated. The AHLA survey revealed that 65% of respondents cited visa barriers and geopolitical concerns as primary reasons for suppressed demand. The timing could not be worse: the tournament coincides with the U.S.’s 250th Independence Day celebrations, an event historically associated with a surge in foreign tourism. Instead, the data suggests that the World Cup is becoming a non-event for the hospitality sector, with Forbes reporting that hotel reservations in the United States, associated with the World Cup, are falling far short of industry expectations.

This follows our earlier report, World Cup Panic: Alarm Sounded Ahead of Major Tournament.

For cities like Kansas City, where bookings are trailing even typical summer benchmarks, the implications are dire. The overlap with NFL season—each host city is home to an NFL franchise—was supposed to create a symbiotic boost. Instead, the lack of international fans risks leaving local economies and hoteliers scrambling to recoup losses.

What Comes Next: Uncertainty and Opportunity

With the tournament set to begin June 11 in Mexico City and conclude July 19 in New Jersey, the next five weeks will be critical. FIFA and U.S. officials have pledged to address visa issues, but the damage to perception may already be done. The AHLA’s call for a seamless experience for international travelers is a recognition that the window to reverse the trend is narrow.

For now, the data paints a grim picture: a tournament that was supposed to be a boon for North American hospitality is instead exposing vulnerabilities in travel policy, global perception, and event logistics. The question remains whether the remaining weeks can turn the tide—or if the 2026 World Cup will be remembered not for its football, but for the hospitality industry’s missed opportunity.

One certainty stands: the stakes could not be higher. The economic ripple effects of this downturn will be felt long after the final whistle in MetLife Stadium.