Preparations for the 2026 World Cup in the United States are facing fresh uncertainty after new data revealed a significant slowdown in hotel bookings across host cities, raising concerns about international fan turnout.
The tournament, which is expected to draw millions of spectators, had previously driven record-breaking accommodation demand. However, recent developments have reversed that trend, with industry leaders warning of weakening indicators just months before kick-off.
According to the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA), demand for accommodation has fallen short of expectations in most of the 11 US host cities. The association, which represents more than 30,000 hotels nationwide, reported that nearly 80% of surveyed members said bookings were below initial projections.
Cities including San Francisco, Seattle, Philadelphia and Boston were among the hardest hit, with more than 70% of hotels reporting disappointing reservation levels. In Los Angeles, New York, Houston and Dallas, over 60% of respondents expressed similar concerns. Miami and Atlanta showed relatively stronger performance, though even there, more than half of respondents indicated bookings were weaker than anticipated.
Global tensions dampen international travel enthusiasm
Tourism leaders have linked the slowdown to broader geopolitical developments, particularly the ongoing crisis in the Middle East. Industry officials say uncertainty surrounding international travel is affecting fans’ willingness to attend the tournament.
Although projections suggest domestic travellers may outnumber international visitors, experts warn that such an imbalance could reduce the overall economic impact that the World Cup is expected to generate.
Further concerns have emerged over the limited use of the FIFA PASS system, introduced in November by the Trump administration to streamline visa appointment processes for fans. Despite FIFA reporting more than five million tickets sold, uptake of the system has been slow.
A State Department spokesman confirmed to The Athletic that only about 14,000 people had used the FIFA PASS system as of last weekend, raising doubts about whether international supporters will be able to secure travel arrangements in time.
Cancellations surge in key host cities
Hotel cancellations have also increased sharply in several major cities. Boston, Dallas, Los Angeles, Philadelphia and Seattle have recorded cancellation rates exceeding 70% in some cases.
These cities are scheduled to host matches involving Arab teams, leading to speculation that many cancellations are coming from fans in the Middle East and North Africa.
The AHLA noted that many rooms were cancelled approximately three months before the tournament, leaving hotel operators scrambling to adjust their strategies. Businesses are now considering price reductions and alternative approaches to recover lost demand.
A critical period ahead for organisers
Industry experts say the coming weeks will be decisive not only for the United States, but also for co-host nations Canada and Mexico. Stakeholders are under pressure to introduce measures that can attract fans, including lowering accommodation costs and accelerating visa approvals.
With the tournament expected to be one of the largest sporting events in history, organisers are keen to ensure strong attendance. Many hope that targeted interventions will help restore confidence and allow the competition to deliver the global spectacle it promises—offering, at least temporarily, a distraction from ongoing political tensions.
