Story perspectives

US 2026 World Cup sees empty hotels, $1,000 tickets

5/12/2026

Summary

US Battles Hotel Shortfall

United States, co-hosting the 2026 World Cup, faces under-booked hotels and unsold tickets.
Seventy percent of hotel owners cite visa barriers and geopolitical concerns as demand suppressors.
Eighty percent of hotel bookings are below forecasts, with Kansas City at 85-90 percent.
Cheapest tickets cost six times the 2006-2022 average, with the June 12 opening match at $1,000.
Demand fell, with July airline reservations down 14% YoY and hotel rates dropping one-third.

Summary

Hotels Adapt

Short-term rentals in Atlanta rose 4,000% and in Kansas City above 2,000%, says Jeff Hurst, CEO of Furnished Finder.
Tim Macdonell, advisor at Elite Sports Tours, urges travelers to book refundable rooms early for flexibility.
Samantha Williams, Customer Officer at Profitroom, notes rooms reopen 30, 14 or 7 days before a stay.
Hotels are adding fan-zone features such as screenings and themed menus to lobbies and bars for fun.

Summary

Houston Hotels Flex

Houston hotels have dropped minimum-stay requirements and nonrefundable booking policies to attract World Cup visitors.
The JW Marriott Houston Downtown completed a multimillion-dollar expansion that added 56 guest rooms and 10,000 sq ft of meeting space.
Citywide hotel inventory ranging from The Woodlands to Texas City exceeds 100,000 rooms.
Downtown bookings improve on last year without achieving the spike many expected.

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US Battles Hotel Shortfall

United States, co-hosting the 2026 World Cup, faces under-booked hotels and unsold tickets.
Seventy percent of hotel owners cite visa barriers and geopolitical concerns as demand suppressors.
Eighty percent of hotel bookings are below forecasts, with Kansas City at 85-90 percent.
Cheapest tickets cost six times the 2006-2022 average, with the June 12 opening match at $1,000.
Demand fell, with July airline reservations down 14% YoY and hotel rates dropping one-third.

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