The report said the low number of bookings was due to several factors, including visa barriers and geopolitical concerns.
Published May 6, 2026
U.S. hotel bookings related to the World Cup are far below industry expectations, a business group said with just five weeks left before soccer’s marquee tournament.
The opinion is based on the results of a survey released Monday by the American Hotel and Lodging Association (AHLA) of its members in 11 U.S. metropolitan areas, from New York to Los Angeles, where FIFA World Cup games are being played.
80% of respondents reported that hotel bookings were lower than originally expected. About 65% of all respondents also cited visa barriers and broader geopolitical concerns as issues restraining demand.
AHLA President Rosanna Maietta said, “While a variety of factors dampen early optimism, emerging indicators continue to point to meaningful opportunities ahead.”
“To fully realize that potential, the United States and FIFA must ensure a welcoming and seamless experience for international travelers.”
The United States is co-hosting the tournament along with Mexico and Canada, with the first game starting on June 11 in Mexico City. The finals will be held on July 19th in New Jersey.
US President Donald Trump has frequently touted his country as host to world soccer’s marquee event, but he has also launched a wide-ranging crackdown on visas for visitors to the US.
The Trump administration has assured FIFA that it will make it easier for ticket holders to obtain visas, but that all applicants will still undergo rigorous vetting.
Fan groups have also expressed concerns about soaring ticket prices, secondary market price gouging and the cost of transportation to attend games.
Respondents to the AHLA survey, published as part of the organization’s FIFA World Cup 2026 Hotel Outlook, revealed a grim picture of the industry.
In Kansas City, bookings were much lower than expected, falling below normal booking rates for June and July.
In Boston, Philadelphia, San Francisco and Seattle, many respondents described the tournament as “not an event,” the report said.
Hoteliers also reported that a large number of FIFA hotel reservations had since been canceled, “creating an artificial early demand signal.”
