US tourism could reverse 2025 declines as FIFA World Cup 2026 may draw over 1 million visitors, boosting flights, lodging and spending significantly.
WASHINGTON: International tourism to the United States is projected to receive a significant boost from the 2026 FIFA World Cup following a sluggish 2025.
Foreign visitation to the US decreased by 4% year-to-date through July, according to National Travel and Tourism Office visa data.
Travel data firm Tourism Economics forecasts a full-year decline of approximately 6.3% in 2025.
This trend could reverse next year when the world’s largest sporting event is expected to attract over one million visitors across 16 North American host cities, including 11 in the US.
The World Cup, scheduled from June 11 to July 19, could account for roughly one in three additional foreign visitors to the US in 2026, Tourism Economics estimates.
Flight and lodging searches for tournament dates have increased nearly 70% compared to the same period in 2025, said Jaroslaw Grabczak, head of commercial product at Poland-based online travel agency eSky.
He projects accommodation prices could rise 30% during early event days and up to 60% during final match days.
Various projections estimate foreign visitors between one million and six million.
A joint FIFA and World Trade Organization report expects international travelers to stay for an average 12 days, purchase two tickets per person, and spend approximately $416 daily.
Airbnb anticipates about 232,000 guests booking stays in US host cities through its platform, spending around $142 per night according to a company-commissioned survey.
The official December 5 draw will determine match schedules and venues for key games, shaping demand patterns across host cities.
Matches involving England, France, Brazil, Argentina and Portugal are expected to generate above-average travel demand due to fan base size and historic event attendance, said Tourism Economics economist Laura Baxter.
“If your city hosts one of these teams, expect heavy demand,” said Sébastien Long, president of the Texas Short-Term Rental Association and CEO of vacation rental firm Lodgeur.
He added that fans travel even without tickets to support their teams in fan zones or bars.
Nationals from 22 participating teams, including Brazil, Argentina and Mexico, do not qualify for the US Visa Waiver Program, potentially deterring some travelers.
President Donald Trump has stated the US would expedite visas for foreign visitors with match tickets. – Reuters
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