Canada Mexico US Compete in Hotel Demand Ahead FIFA 2026

The 2026 FIFA World Cup, set to begin June 11 across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, will feature 48 teams competing in 104 matches over 39 days, coinciding with America's 250th anniversary. Despite initial expectations, U.S. hotel bookings and tourism related to the event have lagged behind those in Canada and Mexico, partly due to higher ticket prices in the U.S. and cultural factors such as Mexico's strong soccer culture driving early bookings. Hospitality data shows U.S. hotel occupancy and rate growth remain subdued compared to the other host nations, with many U.S. hotels holding back inventory or imposing minimum stay requirements in anticipation of a potential surge after the final match schedule is released. Meanwhile, Mexico also outshines the U.S. in luxury hotel rankings, further emphasizing its growing appeal to travelers. Industry experts remain cautiously optimistic that hotel demand in the U.S. will rebound as the tournament approaches and more details become available, potentially boosting local economies alongside Canada and Mexico.