The 2026 FIFA World Cup, kicking off June 11 across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, will feature 48 teams in 104 matches over 39 days, coinciding with America’s 250th anniversary. While the event was expected to spark surging hotel demand in host cities, its impact has so far fallen short of expectations, more so in the United States to date, especially as prices for U.S. World Cup tickets are significantly more expensive than in Canada and Mexico.
Tighter borders, trade tensions, and stricter visa requirements are driving a decline in U.S. tourism, affecting sectors ranging from hospitality to construction. With major ticket sales still ahead for FIFA 2026, the U.S. trails its World Cup co-hosts in year-over-year growth in hotel rates.
Experts point to several factors behind the slowdown, but with nine months remaining, the U.S. hotel industry could see a sharp rebound in bookings after the final draw and full match schedule are released on December 5.
U.S. Hotels Are Lagging Behind Canada And Mexico Ahead Of The 2026 FIFA World Cup
Hospitality data firm Lighthouse reports that length-of-stay rules have limited hotel inventory for FIFA 2026, with occupancy in most host cities still in single digits, nine months before the event. The U.S. also shows the slowest room rate growth during the tournament, with Mexico leading the surge, followed closely by Canada.
Room Rate Growth During FIFA 2026
- Mexico – 114% year-over-year
- Canada – 92% year-over-year
- USA – 55% year-over-year
Despite differing price surges across regions, average room rates remain well above typical 2026 levels and higher than the same period in 2025, signaling what Lighthouse calls a “clear anticipation of future demand.”
“When viewed in context, current booking levels are higher than normal for this time of year, but still far below what a World Cup host market would typically expect,” the report states.
The report attributes the slower growth in room rates in the U.S. to a combination of structural and cultural factors. Canada and Mexico have smaller hotel inventories, and Mexico’s strong soccer culture has fueled earlier demand.
There is also a projected dip in international travel spending in the U.S. for 2025, with more restrictive visa conditions and tighter border procedures.
The U.S. Is Behind Canada & Mexico, Yet Shows High YoY Growth
For hotels in U.S. host cities, the FIFA World Cup has driven aggressive pricing strategies and heightened expectations, with year-over-year rate growth outpacing the national average. The tournament’s impact is evident, just not as pronounced as many anticipated.
Hotel Room Rate Growth in the U.S. in 2026
Year-over-Year Growth
U.S. host cities during the weeks of competition
14%
The rest of the U.S. during the weeks of competition
3%
U.S. host cities during the weeks of No competition
6%
The rest of the U.S. during the weeks of No competition
2.5%
The report indicates that, while current booking levels exceed typical figures for this time of year, they remain significantly below what’s expected for a World Cup host market. The most substantial uptick is seen in the opening two weeks of the group stage, when occupancy nearly doubles amid peak fan interest.
Hotels & Fans “Are Effectively on Pause” And Primary Hotel Booking Rush Is Still Expected
FIFA announced earlier this month that over a million tickets have been sold out of an estimated 7.1 million. With roughly six million tickets, about 85%, still available, and several factors weighing on early demand, the main hotel booking surge, particularly in the U.S., is yet to come.
The report also notes that many hotels appear unavailable during the tournament, either due to length-of-stay restrictions or withheld inventory.
FIFA 2026 final at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New JerseyCredit: Anthony Quintano from Hillsborough, NJ, United States, Wikimedia Commons
With both hotels and fans “on pause” until the final ticket draw on December 5, a surge in bookings is expected once fans learn where their teams will play.
“Many hotels are holding back inventory and setting minimum-stay requirements in anticipation of higher-value bookings later,” the report also said.
Despite a slow start in bookings, average hotel rates across North America, including the U.S., for the World Cup period remain well above typical 2026 levels and higher than the same dates in 2025.
FIFA 2026 Tickets
FIFA has also announced that its resale site is now open, and tickets for the World Cup final in East Rutherford, New Jersey, are available on the FIFA website at prices ranging from $9,538 to $57,500 per seat.
