World Cup draw boosts US hotel demand: Tournament draw sparks early bookings

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The US hotel market is already experiencing a surge in demand as preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup gather pace. According to new data from SiteMinder, hotels in and around host cities are recording sharp increases in forward bookings and average daily rates following the tournament draw held on 5 December.

Strong year-on-year growth signals early demand

The analysis is based on booking data captured up to 12 December, just one week after the draw. SiteMinder reports that in several key destinations, forward booking volumes have more than doubled year-on-year when compared with the same travel periods in 2025, measured at the same point in time in December 2024. This surge in demand is accompanied by notable increases in average daily rates, particularly around high-profile match dates.

Los Angeles sees rising demand ahead of US opener

Ahead of the United States’ opening match against Paraguay at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles on 12 June, hotel booking volumes across nearby destinations were up 80.5% year-on-year. Average daily rates for the week leading into the match rose by more than 21.4%, highlighting early pricing momentum linked to fan travel.

Dallas benefits from marquee fixtures

Even stronger early demand is evident in the Dallas area ahead of the England versus Croatia match at AT&T Stadium on 17 June. SiteMinder data shows reservation volumes increasing by 113.65% year-on-year, while average daily rates climbed by 5.6%, reflecting rapid uptake of available inventory.

World Cup Final drives pricing in New Jersey

The most significant price impact is associated with the World Cup Final at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on 19 July. Hotels in the surrounding area recorded a 72.42% increase in average daily rates, with booking volumes for the week of the final rising by 102.10% compared with the same period last year.

Early preparation becomes critical for hotels

Brian Reising, SiteMinder’s Regional Vice President for the US and Latin America, notes that the 2026 World Cup will be the largest in history, featuring 48 teams, 104 matches and 16 host cities across North America. As global demand builds well ahead of kick-off, hotels that prepare early are best positioned to capture revenue and optimise distribution strategies.

As International Investment experts report, the early surge in US hotel bookings linked to the 2026 World Cup highlights the long lead-time impact of global mega-events on hospitality markets. Rising rates and forward demand strengthen the investment outlook for hotel assets in host cities, reinforcing the strategic value of early revenue planning.