Quick Summary: Hotels in U.s. World Cup Host Cities Claim Underwhelming Demand, New Report Says
- Hotels in U.S. World Cup host cities report weak bookings despite over 5 million tickets sold.
- Nearly 80% of hotel bookings in host cities are below initial forecasts, with Kansas City hit hardest.
- FIFA’s claims of unprecedented demand clash with hotel industry reports of underwhelming bookings.
- Key reasons for the shortfall include FIFA room-block cancellations and rising travel costs.
- Miami and Atlanta are exceptions, showing stronger-than-expected bookings.
Source: Read original article
As the 2026 World Cup approaches, a glaring contradiction has emerged between FIFA’s optimistic projections and the reality faced by hotels in U.S. host cities. Despite the sale of over 5 million match tickets, hotel bookings are falling short of expectations, with Kansas City standing out as a particularly stark example of this disconnect.
According to a survey by the American Hotel & Lodging Association, nearly 80% of hotel bookings across host cities are below initial forecasts. Kansas City, hosting multiple matches, reports that 85% to 90% of hotels are underperforming, making it the weakest market. This is a stark contrast to FIFA’s narrative of extraordinary demand.
The reasons for this shortfall are multifaceted. FIFA room-block cancellations, weaker international travel, and rising costs are cited as major factors. While some cities like Miami and Atlanta report stronger bookings, the overall picture remains concerning. The hotel industry is calling for a more welcoming experience for international travelers, emphasizing the need for streamlined visa processes.
The most consequential number in the latest reporting is this: nearly 80% of hotel bookings across host cities are running below initial forecasts, according to the American Hotel & Lodging Association’s survey of 205 respondents, and Kansas City is emerging as the clearest warning sign. Between 65% and 70% of hoteliers said visa barriers and geopolitical concerns are hurting international demand, and only about 25% to 30% said they are seeing meaningful incremental uplift tied to the tournament.
About half of respondents in Atlanta said bookings were in line with or ahead of projections, while roughly 55% of respondents in Miami reported stronger-than-expected bookings. On May 4, multiple outlets reported the new AHLA survey showing the 80% underperformance figure and the role of room-block cancellations.
AHLA said, “Despite more than 5 million tickets sold (for World Cup matches), this demand has not yet translated into strong hotel bookings,” while FIFA has continued to tout “unprecedented” demand and says it expects attendance records. host cities say bookings are not just soft but, in some markets, weaker than a normal summer despite more than 5 million match tickets already sold.
TravelPulse, citing the AHLA report published May 4, said survey respondents identified “FIFA room block cancellations, international travel barriers, and rising costs” as the main drivers of softened demand. Kathy Nelson, who leads Visit KC and the Kansas City Sports Commission, has stood by a projection of 650,000 visitors over the course of the tournament, even as local hotel survey results suggest the city is lagging badly.
On April 29, broader commentary was already warning that the event risked becoming a “nationwide stress test” as high costs and political turbulence clouded expectations. NPR’s local partner KCUR said those figures are “worse than any other host city,” a striking finding given that Kansas City is hosting multiple matches beginning in June.
According to a survey by the American Hotel & Lodging Association, nearly 80% of hotel bookings across host cities are below initial forecasts. Between 65% and 70% of hoteliers said visa barriers and geopolitical concerns are hurting international demand, and only about 25% to 30% said they are seeing meaningful incremental uplift tied to the tournament.
On May 4, multiple outlets reported the new AHLA survey showing the 80% underperformance figure and the role of room-block cancellations. AHLA said, “Despite more than 5 million tickets sold (for World Cup matches), this demand has not yet translated into strong hotel bookings,” while FIFA has continued to tout “unprecedented” demand and says it expects attendance records.
Nearly 80% of hotel bookings in host cities are below initial forecasts, with Kansas City hit hardest. Despite the sale of over 5 million match tickets, hotel bookings are falling short of expectations, with Kansas City standing out as a particularly stark example of this disconnect.