The 2026 World Cup, expected to spark a tourism boom, is facing a stark shortfall in hotel bookings across major host cities. The American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA) reports reservations lagging far behind projections, raising doubts about the anticipated economic lift.

AHLA attributes the gap partly to FIFA’s block‑booking strategy, which flooded the market with high‑priced rooms before canceling large blocks. Up to 70% of rooms in cities like Boston and Dallas have been released, creating a sudden vacancy that has depressed rates and dampened hotel revenue expectations.

Hotel operators, who invested heavily based on FIFA’s earlier projections, now warn that the projected $17.2 bn GDP boost and 185,000 jobs could evaporate. With fewer overseas fans arriving, occupancy may struggle, threatening the financial plans of thousands of properties.

FIFA denies the allegations, claiming all releases followed contractual timelines and were intended to accommodate hotel partners. Despite this, the current market reality suggests the World Cup will not deliver the fiscal windfall once imagined.