US Tourism Expected to Score Big with 2026 FIFA World Cup

International tourism to the United States is set for a major boost with the 2026 FIFA World Cup, following a sluggish 2025 when foreign visitors were deterred by concerns over trade policies and stricter border scrutiny.

Foreign visitation to the U.S. was down 4% year-to-date through July 2025, according to visa data from the National Travel and Tourism Office, with projections for a full-year decline of about 6.3% by Tourism Economics.

The 2026 World Cup, running from June 11 to July 19, could reverse that trend, drawing over a million international visitors across 16 host cities in North America, 11 of which are in the U.S. Tourism Economics estimates that the tournament could account for roughly one in three additional foreign visitors to the country in 2026.

Searches for flights and accommodations during the tournament period have surged nearly 70% compared to the same period in 2025, according to Jaroslaw Grabczak, head of commercial product at Poland-based online travel agency eSky. Prices for stays are expected to rise by 30% in the early days and up to 60% during the final matches.

Projections vary, with estimates of foreign visitors ranging from 1 million to 6 million. A joint report by FIFA and the World Trade Organization anticipates travelers staying for an average of 12 days, purchasing two tickets per person, and spending around $416 daily.

Vacation rental platform Airbnb expects 232,000 guests to book accommodations in U.S. host cities, spending approximately $142 per night. The U.S., Canada, and Mexico will co-host, aiming to surpass the 1994 World Cup turnout of 3.59 million fans, which remains the benchmark for attendance.

However, not every city will benefit equally. The official draw on December 5 will determine match schedules and venues, affecting demand across host cities. Matches featuring countries with large fan bases, such as England, France, Brazil, Argentina, and Portugal, are expected to generate above-average travel demand.

Visa restrictions may affect fans from 22 participating countries, including Brazil, Argentina, and Mexico, as they do not qualify for the U.S. Visa Waiver Program. However, President Donald Trump has promised expedited visas for ticket holders, easing travel barriers for fans.

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