US hoteliers see bookings fall short for 2026 World Cup | OneFootball

US hotels are seeing World Cup bookings lagging expectations a little over a month before the 11 June to 19 July tournament.

According to L'Équipe, the American Hotel and Lodging Association surveyed members in the 11 US host metropolitan areas, and nearly 80% reported bookings below initial forecasts.

The survey found Kansas City bookings were even lower than usual for June and July. In Boston, Philadelphia, San Francisco and Seattle, many respondents described the tournament as a non-event.

The report cites visa restrictions and higher petrol and air fares as deterrents for overseas fans, and says many feel they will not receive a red carpet welcome.

It also criticises FIFA for block-booking thousands of rooms in advance, then cancelling, which it says shaped hotels’ revenue forecasts, hiring plans and other preparations.

FIFA said all room releases were made within agreed contractual deadlines, and in many cases earlier, to meet hotel requests.

Source: L'Équipe