FIFA World Cup Hotel Demand Falls Short of Expectations, AHLA Report Finds

Hotel bookings tied to the 2026 FIFA World Cup are tracking below expectations across most U.S. host markets, according to a new report from the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA).

Published May 4, 2026 | By HNR News Staff Reporter

Bookings Lag Initial Forecasts

The AHLA’s FIFA World Cup 2026 Hotel Outlook, based on a survey of hoteliers across 11 host cities, found that 80% of respondents report booking levels below initial projections.

Despite years of preparation and expectations of strong international demand, many markets are seeing booking pace align more closely with a typical summer rather than a major global event.

International Demand Under Pressure

Between 65% and 70% of respondents cited visa barriers and broader geopolitical concerns as the primary factors suppressing international travel, which has historically been a key driver of demand for global events.

Domestic travelers are currently outpacing international visitors, contributing to a shift in demand mix across host markets.

Room Block Recalibration

The report also highlights the impact of FIFA room block allocations, which initially created an inflated demand signal. Roughly half of respondents reported material room block releases, leading to a recalibration of expected occupancy levels.

Uneven Performance Across Markets

Performance varies significantly by market. Only an estimated 25% to 30% of respondents reported meaningful incremental demand, typically in cities with strong baseline leisure demand or confirmed team base camps.

Markets such as Miami and Atlanta are outperforming expectations, supported by leisure demand and favorable connectivity, while others—including Boston, Philadelphia, San Francisco, and Seattle—report booking levels below both expectations and typical summer benchmarks.

Kansas City, Los Angeles, New York City, Dallas, and Houston are generally tracking at or below normal seasonal levels, indicating limited incremental uplift from the tournament to date.

Costs and Policy Factors Add Pressure

In addition to demand challenges, respondents cited rising labor costs, local policy constraints, and potential tax increases as factors contributing to a more complex operating environment during the World Cup period.

These pressures are affecting pricing strategies and, in some cases, leading operators to reconsider or delay event-specific investments and activations.

Industry Outlook

“Hotels across host markets have spent years preparing for the World Cup, and while there is real excitement, the data points to a more nuanced outlook,” said Rosanna Maietta, President and CEO of AHLA.

She noted that while early indicators are mixed, there remains potential for demand to build closer to the event, particularly if barriers to international travel are addressed.

Outlook

The findings suggest that while the World Cup is expected to generate significant economic activity, its impact on hotel performance may be more uneven than initially forecast.

For hotel operators, the focus is shifting from capturing anticipated demand to managing a more fragmented and uncertain booking environment in the lead-up to the tournament.