🌅 U.S. Hotels View the World Cup as a “Non-Event”

SOURCE

American Hotel & Lodging Association

WHAT TO KNOW

• The American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA) surveyed more than 200 hotels across the 11 World Cup host cities, finding 80% say bookings are falling below initial forecasts, including in the cities of Kansas City, Boston, Philadelphia, San Francisco, and Seattle, where a majority of operators say demand is even lagging behind typical seasonal demand. The survey found just 30% of hotels now expect to see a meaningful lift during the World Cup, with many describing it as a “non-event.” The tournament will run from June 11 to July 19.

WHY IT MATTERS

• A March 2025 analysis by FIFA predicted 6.5 million people will attend World Cup games this summer, generating a $30.5 billion economic windfall for the three host countries (the U.S., Mexico, and Canada). However, many experts have cast doubt on whether FIFA can actually live up to its promises, with a new report from Oxford Economics suggesting that while host cities will indeed see above average tourism during the tournament, any boosts to GDP and job growth will be short-lived.

CONNECT THE DOTS

• U.S. tourism is down since Donald Trump returned to office, falling 5.5% in 2025 as survey data shows international visitors continually cite Trump’s policies as reasons they’re staying away. The AHLA survey found travel concerns among international visitors are a major factor in the decreased hotel demand for the World Cup, finding longer visa wait times, increased costs and fees, and uncertainties around entry processing are giving travelers pause. Trump’s Big Beautiful Bill requires international travelers to pay a $250 “visa integrity” fee to enter the U.S., while new U.S. Customs and Border Protection rules could also force visitors to divulge their social media history.

BONUS STAT

• $50,000 - How much Fox Sports and Indeed will pay one lucky fan to watch all 156 hours of the 2026 World Cup inside a glass box in Time Square.