Fans may struggle to secure seats inside stadiums for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, but accommodation nearby is becoming more affordable.
Hotel room prices across the United States are being reduced in the lead-up to the tournament. This shift is driven by several factors, including high ticket prices, concerns about inflation, and a growing sense of anti-U.S. sentiment.
Following the group-stage draw in December, hotel prices in some host cities reportedly surged by as much as 300%. However, with the tournament now approaching, the trend has reversed. According to data from Lighthouse Intelligence, cited by the Financial Times, room rates in host cities on matchdays have dropped by roughly one-third.
Aran Ryan, director of industry studies at Tourism Economics, explained that there are multiple concerns affecting demand. These include the rising cost of tickets, uncertainty around border entry, and negative perceptions of the United States, which have been exacerbated by geopolitical tensions.
Ticket prices, however, remain extremely high. The resale market in the U.S. and Canada is largely unregulated, allowing fans to sell tickets at any price. FIFA receives a 30% commission on resales, giving it little incentive to impose price limits.
Attending the World Cup involves more than just buying a ticket. As U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio previously stated, a match ticket does not guarantee entry into the country. Visa requirements and border policies remain a significant barrier for many travelers.
Entry restrictions have become a more prominent issue during President Donald Trump’s second term. Some participating nations face travel limitations, while others are subject to partial restrictions. In certain cases, both fans and players may need to provide substantial financial bonds—reportedly up to $15,000—to secure short-term visas.
While hotel prices are falling, other costs associated with attending the tournament continue to rise. Ticket prices for major matches, including the final, have reached extremely high levels on the resale market, significantly exceeding their original face value.
Transportation costs are also expected to increase sharply during the tournament. For example, train fares between key locations may rise several times above their usual rates, and public transport prices in some areas could multiply as local authorities attempt to capitalize on increased demand.
Despite these price increases, overall demand has not consistently met expectations. The recent drop in hotel prices suggests that initial projections may have been overly optimistic. If this trend continues, it could eventually affect other aspects of the tournament, including ticket pricing.
There is even a possibility that some matches may not sell out, raising concerns about partially empty stadiums—an outcome that would be seen as a disappointment for an event of this scale.
