why international fans are skipping the US — and what it means for host cities
Foreign Soccer Fans Boycotting 2026 World Cup, Impacting US Hotels and Host Cities
A recent industry report has revealed that foreign soccer fans are boycotting the upcoming 2026 World Cup, posing a threat to the economic boost that US hotels and host cities were anticipating. Nearly 80% of hotel operators in nine out of the 11 American host cities have reported that reservations are significantly below early projections, despite more than 5 million tickets already being sold.
FIFA’s decision to cancel or release around 70% of its room blocks has flooded the market, leading to a high number of cancellations of up to 95% of contracted inventory in some cities.
Visa delays, concerns about treatment by immigration officials, soaring airfares, a strong US dollar, and geopolitical tensions have all contributed to international travelers opting to stay home, according to the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA).
The report highlighted that these visitors were expected to spend an average of $5,048 each, significantly more than typical overseas tourists, with a third planning extended multi-city stays exceeding two weeks.
The AHLA expressed concerns that the economic impact of the World Cup might fall short of expectations due to the imbalance between domestic and international travelers. President Trump had previously stated that the tournament could have a substantial economic impact on the country.
The report also pointed out concerns around visa processing times, increased fees, and uncertainty surrounding entry procedures, potentially deterring international travelers from visiting the US for the World Cup.
While American fans are making bookings, their spending may not be enough to offset the absence of higher-spending international supporters. Despite this, some cities like Atlanta and Miami are seeing steady bookings, aided by factors like team base camps and leisure demand.
Overall, the report indicates a challenging outlook for hotels in most host cities, with revenue per available room forecasted to increase only modestly during the tournament window. The AHLA is calling for more transparency from FIFA on remaining room blocks and urging US officials to expedite visa processing.
The tournament is set to take place in 11 US cities, with the opening game scheduled in Inglewood, CA, where tickets are priced at $1,000 per seat. The AHLA hopes for a last-minute surge in bookings once the knockout rounds commence, but the industry is prepared to adapt quickly to the changing circumstances.
