The countdown to the FIFA World Cup 2026 is on, with the U.S., Mexico, and Canada set to co-host the largest-ever edition of the tournament this summer. Featuring 48 nations and 104 matches across 16 venues—11 in the U.S., three in Mexico, and two in Canada—the event promises to be a global spectacle from June 11 to July 19. However, behind the scenes, a concerning trend has emerged: hotel bookings in American host cities are falling well short of expectations, raising questions about the anticipated tourism windfall.

A new seven-page report from The American Hotel and Lodging Association (AHLA), based on a survey of hoteliers across U.S. host markets, reveals that despite more than five million World Cup tickets already sold, room reservations haven't kept pace. The AHLA notes that "domestic travelers are outpacing international travelers—an imbalance that threatens the broader economic impact the World Cup was expected to generate." In fact, nearly 80 percent of respondents said hotel bookings are tracking below initial forecasts.

So, what's driving this shortfall? According to the survey, two key factors are at play: difficulties securing U.S. visas and broader concerns about the current geopolitical climate. Nearly 70 percent of respondents across most markets flagged these as top deterrents for international visitors, dampening demand that organizers had hoped would fill hotel rooms and boost local economies.

The report also points to a "FIFA room block over commitment" that created an artificial early demand signal. Roughly half of the hotels surveyed in host markets reported significant room block releases, suggesting that early booking data overstated true demand. This has left many hoteliers scrambling to adjust their expectations as the tournament approaches.

For fans and travelers, this could mean more availability and potentially better deals on accommodations closer to match dates. But for local businesses counting on a World Cup boom, the lukewarm booking pace serves as a stark reminder that even the world's biggest sporting event isn't immune to real-world challenges. As the U.S. gears up to welcome soccer fans from around the globe, the gap between ticket sales and hotel reservations is a trend worth watching—especially for those planning their own 2026 World Cup adventure.