The 2026 FIFA World Cup is poised to give U.S. tourism a significant boost following a slow 2025, when foreign visitors largely stayed away amid concerns over President Donald Trump’s trade policies and stricter border enforcement.
According to the National Travel and Tourism Office, international arrivals to the U.S. were down 4% year-to-date through July 2025, with projections from Tourism Economics pointing to a full-year decline of approximately 6.3%. That trend could reverse in 2026, as the tournament is expected to draw over a million international visitors across 16 host cities in North America, 11 of which are in the United States. Tourism Economics estimates that the World Cup could account for roughly one-third of the additional foreign arrivals to the U.S. next year.
Demand for flights and accommodation around the tournament period is already surging. Jaroslaw Grabczak, head of commercial product at Poland-based online travel agency eSky, reports a nearly 70% increase in travel searches compared to the same time in 2025. He anticipates lodging costs rising by 30% at the start of the tournament and potentially up to 60% during the final matches.
Various projections estimate foreign visitor numbers could range from 1 million to 6 million. A FIFA and World Trade Organization joint report predicts travelers will stay an average of 12 days, purchase two tickets per person, and spend around $416 daily. Airbnb anticipates hosting roughly 232,000 guests across U.S. cities, with an average nightly spend of $142 per booking.
The official match schedule, set during the December 5 draw, will further shape travel demand. Teams with large fan bases, such as England, France, Brazil, Argentina, and Portugal, are expected to generate above-average interest. Sébastien Long, president of the Texas Short-Term Rental Association, notes that fans often travel to host cities even without tickets to watch matches in fan zones or local venues.
Visa requirements could influence travel patterns, as nationals from 22 participating countries including Brazil, Argentina, and Mexico do not qualify for the U.S. Visa Waiver Program. However, President Trump has announced plans to expedite visas for international fans holding World Cup tickets, which may ease potential barriers.
With accommodation bookings and travel interest surging, the 2026 World Cup is shaping up to be a major catalyst for international tourism in the United States, promising economic benefits across multiple host cities.
