2026 World Cup: Empty Hotel Rooms in US Raise Concerns Over Economic Impact

2026 FIFA World Cup: US hotel rooms remain largely vacant, is the 'event economy' in jeopardy?

Author, Dale Johnson

Role, Football Reporter

Published May 21, 2026, 7:11 AM

Reading time: 2 minutes

With the 2026 FIFA World Cup football tournament just weeks away, hopes that the event would boost the US tourism industry are now overshadowed by concerns that this vision may not materialize.

A report by the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA) indicates that booking rates in almost all host cities are significantly below expectations.

The association stated that this situation is inconsistent with FIFA's claim of having sold over five million tickets, posing a risk that the 'expected economic benefits may fall short of projections'.

The AHLA is the largest hotel association in the US, representing over 32,000 properties and more than 80% of branded hotels.

The report partly blames FIFA, suggesting the world football governing body created a false demand by reserving too many rooms for its own needs.

The association pointed out that this practice led to inflated room prices, and when FIFA subsequently cancelled a large number of bookings, the market became oversupplied.

FIFA, however, has stated that it does not agree with these accusations.

Hotel operators cited high match ticket prices, local transportation and tax costs, as well as the political environment, as factors deterring some travelers.

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For the hotel industry, the calculations for this World Cup may be in jeopardy.

FIFA's booking 'artificially created demand'

The AHLA stated that the hotel industry has been preparing for the World Cup for years, making 'significant investments' based on official forecasts.

A research report commissioned by FIFA last year had predicted that the World Cup could create 185,000 jobs in the US and contribute $17.2 billion to GDP growth.

The hotel industry had anticipated a large influx of international travelers, who typically stay longer and spend more.

However, the association noted that with only weeks left until the June 11th opening, the insufficient number of overseas fans is 'threatening the overall economic benefits'.

The association also stated that FIFA's large-scale bookings in various cities have impacted revenue forecasts and staffing arrangements.

The association pointed out that this booking method 'created a surface demand', masking the reality of lower-than-expected actual visitor numbers.

It is reported that in cities like Boston, Dallas, Los Angeles, Philadelphia, and Seattle, as many as 70% of FIFA's reserved rooms have been cancelled.

FIFA, in a statement, denied the association's accusations, stating that all arrangements were made in accordance with agreements reached with hotel groups.

'All room release arrangements were made according to the schedule agreed upon with our hotel partners – this is standard practice for major events of this nature,' said a FIFA spokesperson.

'In many cases, we even released rooms earlier to accommodate hotel needs.'

The statement also mentioned that throughout the planning process, FIFA's accommodation team maintained close communication with hotel operators, including adjusting reserved room quantities, negotiating prices, confirming room types, and providing regular reports, cooperating through explanatory meetings and ongoing communication.

After the draw results were announced, hotel room prices immediately surged as fans learned the cities where their supported teams would play.

Prices gradually declined thereafter, reportedly falling by about 20% in recent weeks.

However, such a drop may be too late to effectively attract fans back.

In Boston, for example, hotel prices remain above $300 per night (£224), while most fans have relatively limited budgets.

Chris Hancock, an England fan who has attended four World Cups, told the BBC that his accommodation budget for himself and five companions is $75 (£56) per night.

They plan to rent cars in each city and opt for hotels or Airbnb accommodations located 45 minutes to an hour away from the stadium or city center.

'We usually stay a bit outside the city center to reduce expenses, so we wouldn't choose to stay in downtown Dallas, Boston, or New York,' Hancock said.

'As long as you're not in the busiest areas, it's easier to find cheaper accommodation. We are still within budget, and should even have some room to spare.'

The AHLA told BBC Sport: 'Occupancy rates are expected to rebound in June and July'.

Airbnb, meanwhile, stated that this World Cup is poised to be 'Airbnb's largest ever event accommodation', surpassing the 2024 Paris Olympics and Paralympics.