The upcoming World Cup presents a lucrative opportunity for the hospitality sector across North America. With matches scheduled in 16 cities during June and July, hotels are gearing up for increased bookings. However, recent data from CoStar indicates that hotels in the United States are not experiencing the same booking surge as those in Canada or Mexico.
World Cup Hotel Bookings: Comparing Mexico, Canada, and the US
The CoStar analysis covers hotel bookings in 14 of the 16 host cities, with Kansas City and Philadelphia excluded from the data. The information pertains to booking percentages on the day of each match.
Cities in Mexico and Canada occupy the top four positions in terms of average booking percentage per match day. Meanwhile, San Francisco holds the highest average among US cities. Below is the ranking of cities based on their booking rates:
- Guadalajara
- Monterrey
- Vancouver
- Toronto
- Mexico City
- New York City
- Boston
- San Francisco
- Seattle
- Miami
- Los Angeles
- Dallas
- Houston
- Atlanta
Some cities have witnessed a decline in booking percentages for 2026 compared to the previous year. For example, Los Angeles shows a booking rate of 23.6 percent on July 10, compared to 24 percent in 2025. Hoteliers might be anticipating last-minute bookings closer to the events.
Impact of Visa Concerns and Ticket Prices on Hotel Demand
A report from the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA), released in early May, highlights the disparity between actual bookings and initial forecasts. The survey noted that 80 percent of respondents reported lower-than-expected bookings.
Visa barriers and geopolitical concerns are identified as key factors limiting international demand. These issues are linked to immigration policies from the Trump administration. Rosanna Maietta, AHLA’s president and CEO, emphasized the importance of creating a welcoming environment for international travelers. This involves avoiding extra visa costs, mitigating transportation expenses, and preventing sudden tax hikes that affect both the games and consumers.
Moreover, ticket prices are contributing to diminished demand. The Associated Press revealed that tickets for the semifinal in Arlington, Texas range from $2,705 to $11,130, while those for Atlanta are priced between $2,725 and $10,635. Although some tickets are available for under $100 due to low demand, high prices remain a concern.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino remarked on the necessity of market rates for tickets, noting that watching a college or professional game in the US generally costs over $300.
FIFA’s ticket pricing strategy, called ‘dynamic pricing’, which adjusts fares based on demand, has faced criticism. In late May, New York and New Jersey Attorneys General subpoenaed FIFA, probing its ticketing practices.
Despite limited hotel bookings, platforms like Airbnb and Booking.com have reported increased accommodation searches tied to match dates. Fans should be prepared for higher hotel costs in match cities.
How to Watch World Cup 2026
Soccer enthusiasts can catch the matches through several broadcast options: Fox, FS1, Tubi, Telemundo, and Peacock, as reported by The Athletic.
Dates for the 2026 World Cup
The FIFA World Cup will take place from June 11 to July 19.
This article includes information from the Associated Press.