U.S. Hotels Face Competition from Canada, Mexico Before 2026 FIFA World Cup
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is scheduled to commence on June 11, 2026, spanning the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. This tournament will feature 48 teams competing in 104 matches over 39 days, coinciding with the United States’ 250th anniversary. Initially, the event was expected to drive significant hotel demand in the host cities. However, the U.S. hotels are currently experiencing a decline in bookings compared to their Canadian and Mexican counterparts.
U.S. Hotel Market Challenges Ahead of FIFA 2026
Despite expectations, U.S. hotels are facing stiff competition from Canadian and Mexican establishments. A report from Lighthouse, a hospitality data firm, indicates that the average hotel prices in the U.S. have not increased as much as anticipated. Moreover, U.S. World Cup tickets are considerably more expensive than those in Canada and Mexico, leading to a lull in tourism.
Room Rate Growth Comparison
- Mexico: 114% year-over-year increase
- Canada: 92% year-over-year increase
- USA: 55% year-over-year increase
The report attributes the slower growth in the U.S. to various structural and cultural factors. Both Canada and Mexico have smaller hotel inventories, which may create a heightened demand. Additionally, Mexico’s strong soccer culture contributes to early booking spikes.
Future Prospects for U.S. Hotels
As the FIFA World Cup approaches, industry experts remain cautiously optimistic about a surge in hotel bookings. The final ticket draw scheduled for December 5, 2025, is likely to trigger an increase in interest among fans. Many hotels are currently holding back inventory or imposing minimum stay requirements, anticipating a rush of bookings.
For context, here are some indicators of the current and potential future hotel market dynamics:
| Category | Host Cities (Competition Weeks) | Rest of U.S. (Competition Weeks) |
|---|---|---|
| Year-over-Year Growth | 14% | 3% |
| Year-over-Year Growth (No Competition) | 6% | 2.5% |
Current Booking Trends and Expectations
At present, hotel occupancy levels in many host cities remain in the single digits, with only 1 million tickets sold out of an estimated 7.1 million. This indicates a significant opportunity for a later surge as fans await match specifics. Industry reports suggest that U.S. hotel bookings could increase markedly during the tournament’s group stages, reflecting peak fan interest.
In conclusion, while U.S. hotels are lagging behind their Canadian and Mexican competitors ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, there is potential for recovery. Upcoming ticket sales and match schedules may reignite interest in bookings, particularly as conditions evolve closer to the event.
