2026 World Cup Hotel Bookings Lag Amid High Costs and Weak Demand

Less than a month before the 2026 FIFA World Cup kicks off, hotel occupancy rates in North American host cities are significantly lower than expected, raising concerns that the tournament may underperform economically. Data from CoStar and the American Hotel & Lodging Association reveals that many hotels are tracking well below initial forecasts, with some markets like Vancouver and Boston seeing sharp year-over-year declines in bookings. Experts attribute this sluggish demand to several factors, including visa hurdles, geopolitical tensions, and soaring travel costs driven by inflation and high airfares. Additionally, the expansion of the tournament to 48 teams and 104 matches across three countries has diluted demand, while FIFA room block cancellations have further disrupted early booking momentum. While cities like Mexico City and Dallas show stronger numbers, others struggle to attract international fans. Some industry observers even label the event a potential "non-event" for hospitality, noting that only matches featuring major teams or later knockout stages may drive significant turnout. High ticket prices, criticized by figures including former President Trump, also contribute to the cooling fever surrounding the spectacle.