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A hotel sign
A new report from the American Hotel and Lodging Association (AHLA) has found that anticipated demand has not translated into strong hotel bookings at hotels in US cities hosting matches in this year’s FIFA World Cup.
The report cites FIFA room block cancellations, international travel barriers, geo-political concerns and rising costs as key drivers of the softened hotel demand.
The report found that 80% of establishments surveyed had bookings tracking below initial forecasts, with visa barriers and broader geopolitical concerns significantly suppressing international demand.
The report says FIFA room block overcommitment created an artificial early demand signal that has since recalibrated.
Only limited markets that have a strong leisure component or have been confirmed as team base camps are seeing meaningful incremental uplift.
The AHLA’s CEO and President Rosanna Maietta called on the US and FIFA to ensure a welcoming and seamless experience for international travelers by avoiding unnecessary cost increases including for visas and transportation among others.
Some reading in relation to international travelers to FIFA World Cup in USA…
The American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA) released the FIFA World Cup 2026 Hotel Outlook, a report highlighting the challenges the hotel industry is facing as the U.S. prepares to co-host the…
— Sherwin Bryce-Pease (@sherwiebp) May 7, 2026
