Hotels in the United States are bracing for a World Cup washout, with bookings significantly underperforming in almost every host city. A report by the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA) has revealed that reservations do not align with FIFA’s claim that over five million tickets have been sold—a statement FIFA has rejected.
High Costs Deter Fans
The AHLA attributes the slump to high match ticket prices, local transport and tax expenses, and the prevailing political climate, which have collectively discouraged visitors. The association warns that this could undermine the anticipated economic boost from the tournament.
Representing over 32,000 properties and more than 80% of all franchised hotels in the US, the AHLA also partially blames FIFA for block-booking an excessive number of rooms, creating artificial demand. This practice led to inflated prices, and when FIFA subsequently cancelled many reservations, it left a void in availability. FIFA has dismissed this accusation.
Disappointing Figures Across Host Cities
In Kansas City, 88% of hotels reported underperforming bookings, while three-quarters of hotels in San Francisco, Seattle, Philadelphia, and Boston echoed this sentiment. Los Angeles saw 68% of hotels disappointed, New York 66%, with similar results in Houston and Dallas. Miami reported 53% dissatisfaction, and Atlanta 48%.
The AHLA noted that hotels had invested significantly based on official projections. A FIFA study last year predicted the World Cup could generate 185,000 jobs and add $17.2 billion to US GDP. However, with fewer overseas fans expected, the economic impact may be diminished.
FIFA Responds
FIFA rejected the AHLA’s claims, stating that it adhered to contractual agreements with hotel chains. “All room releases were conducted in line with contractually agreed timelines with hotel partners—a standard practice for an event of this scale,” a FIFA spokesperson said. “In many cases, room releases were made ahead of established deadlines to further accommodate requests from hotels.”
Hotel prices spiked after the World Cup draw but have since fallen, reportedly by 20% in recent weeks. Despite this, rates in cities like Boston remain over $300 per night, exceeding many fans’ budgets.
Fan Perspectives
Chris Hancock, an England fan attending his fourth World Cup, told BBC Sport that his group of five is limiting accommodation costs to $75 per person per night. They plan to rent cars and book hotels or Airbnbs 45 minutes to an hour outside city centres to stay within budget.
Despite current trends, the AHLA expects occupancy to pick up in June and July as more fans finalise their plans. Airbnb has projected that the World Cup will become the “biggest hosting event in Airbnb’s history,” surpassing the 2024 Paris Olympics.
