2026 FIFA World Cup Set to Boost Tourism in the US

After a slow year for international travel in 2025, the 2026 FIFA World Cup is poised to rejuvenate tourism in the United States. The tournament, spread across 16 host cities in North America, including 11 in the US, is expected to attract millions of visitors and stimulate demand for flights, accommodations, and local attractions.

Tourism Decline in 2025

The US faced a decline in international visitors in 2025, attributed to concerns over President Donald Trump’s trade policies and stricter border scrutiny. Data from the National Travel and Tourism Office shows a 4% drop in foreign visitation through July, with projections by Tourism Economics estimating a full-year decline of around 6.3%.

This downturn impacted hotels, airlines, and local businesses that rely heavily on international travel.

World Cup Set to Reverse the Trend

The 2026 FIFA World Cup, scheduled from June 11 to July 19, is expected to reverse this decline. Tourism Economics projects that the tournament could attract over one million visitors to the US, accounting for approximately one-third of the additional foreign arrivals in 2026.

The event spans 16 cities, with 11 in the US, providing a significant opportunity for host cities to benefit from increased tourism, hospitality, and local spending.

Increased Demand for Flights and Lodging

Travel search trends indicate a sharp rise in bookings for flights and accommodations around the tournament dates. According to Jaroslaw Grabczak, head of commercial product at eSky, searches have surged nearly 70% compared to the same period in 2025.

Price projections suggest lodging costs could increase by 30% during the early stages of the tournament and by as much as 60% during the final matches. This spike highlights the substantial economic impact of the World Cup on travel and hospitality sectors.

Visitor Projections and Spending

Estimates for foreign visitors range between 1 million and 6 million. A joint report by FIFA and the World Trade Organization anticipates that international visitors will stay for an average of 12 days, purchase two tickets per person, and spend around $416 daily.

Vacation rental platform Airbnb forecasts approximately 232,000 guests will book stays in US host cities, with average spending of $142 per night. This surge in bookings is expected to benefit short-term rental operators and the wider tourism economy.

High-Profile Teams Drive Demand

Matches featuring teams with large fan bases, including England, France, Brazil, Argentina, and Portugal, are projected to generate above-average travel demand. Tourism Economics economist Laura Baxter notes that cities hosting these teams should anticipate heavy visitor traffic.

Sébastien Long, president of the Texas Short-Term Rental Association, adds that fans often travel even without tickets, aiming to watch matches with other supporters in fan zones or bars. This creates additional demand for local hospitality services and event-related experiences.

Visa Considerations

Travelers from 22 participating countries, including Brazil, Argentina, and Mexico, are not eligible for the US Visa Waiver Program, potentially limiting fan attendance. However, President Trump has stated that visas will be expedited for visitors holding World Cup tickets, aiming to reduce barriers for international fans.

Impact on Local Economies

The influx of visitors is expected to provide a major boost to local economies in host cities. Increased spending on hotels, restaurants, transport, and entertainment will create opportunities for businesses and temporary employment.

Tourism projections suggest that cities hosting key matches and fan-favorite teams may see the most significant economic uplift, creating a ripple effect for services and hospitality sectors across the US.

Conclusion

The 2026 FIFA World Cup is expected to play a pivotal role in revitalizing US tourism following a weak 2025. With millions of international visitors, rising flight and lodging demand, and high-profile matches drawing fans from around the world, the tournament offers a much-needed boost to the travel and hospitality industries. Strategic planning by host cities and visa facilitation measures will be key to maximizing the economic benefits of this global sporting event.