The 2026 FIFA World Cup is already facing significant criticism from parts of the US hospitality industry, with hotel operators claiming fan turnout is falling short of expectations as high travel and accommodation costs discourage visitors.
Hotel Demand Drops Across Host Cities
According to recent reports, hotel demand has dropped in nine of the 11 American host cities ahead of the tournament, which begins next month across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. In Kansas, where the England national team will reportedly be based during the competition, about 90 per cent of hotels are said to be recording weaker bookings than normal for the summer period. Boston has also reportedly seen a major slowdown, with hotel operators claiming bookings are down by around 80 per cent ahead of England’s group-stage clash against Ghana on June 23. Reports added that FIFA has already released roughly 70 per cent of hotel rooms it had previously block-booked for the event.
Economic Projections vs. Reality
The tournament had been projected by Donald Trump and Gianni Infantino to generate about £22 billion for the US economy and create around 200,000 jobs. However, hotel industry groups now say the expected surge of international visitors has not materialised. Industry analysts blamed several factors for the weak demand, including expensive ticket prices, rising hotel and travel costs, strict immigration policies, visa delays, the strength of the US dollar, and high tipping expectations in the hospitality sector.
Additional Factors Affecting Attendance
The report also cited wider geopolitical tensions, including the economic effects of the Iran conflict, as part of the reason some international supporters may be avoiding travel. Fans from some African countries have also reportedly struggled with visa-related financial requirements, including demands for large visa bonds. Hospitality analyst Jan Freitag questioned earlier predictions that the tournament would create an economic boom comparable to “104 Super Bowls,” saying many hotels across host cities were still waiting for bookings to increase.
England's Matches and Host City Concerns
England, managed by Thomas Tuchel, are scheduled to open their campaign against Croatia in Dallas on June 17 before later facing Ghana in Boston and Panama in New Jersey. Hotel operators in both Dallas and New Jersey have also reportedly complained of slower-than-expected reservation levels despite the approaching tournament.
