World Cup in the US: Hotels and Airbnb Are Filling Up Months Before Kickoff. Fans Are Renting for a Month, Prices Are Rising and Labor Conflicts Are Growing
48 teams, 3 host countries, a tourism surge, dynamic pricing, preparation for the 2028 Olympics and advice: book as early as possible
As reported by CCTV+, with millions of fans preparing to travel across the United States for this summer’s FIFA World Cup matches, hotels and short-term rentals are quickly filling up in host cities from New York to Los Angeles.
The expanded 2026 tournament will feature a record 48 teams. For the first time, the competition will be held in three countries: matches are scheduled in the US, Mexico and Canada from June 11 to July 19.
In the US, businesses are preparing for a significant tourism surge. But rising accommodation prices, labour shortages and limited housing availability are putting additional pressure on local housing and hospitality markets.
Mike Irwin, a sales agent at Compass Real Estate, noted: “There are many different types of bookings. Huge demand for Airbnb — many are booking for a whole month. On the other hand, hotels are filling up across different categories. I think people are moving from place to place.”
In Los Angeles, where the World Cup is also seen as a warm-up for the 2028 Olympics, authorities are accelerating infrastructure upgrades. Hotels and hospitality businesses are preparing for a sharp rise in demand. Irwin added: “Rents have gone up, especially hotel prices, probably because dynamic pricing is often used, and prices can change quite quickly. But many rooms booked in advance, say through Airbnb for a month or so, are already taken. So I think at this stage they are quite hard to get.”
Behind the optimism, growing problems are also emerging. Hotel owners are already facing labour disputes and fears of possible strikes ahead of the tournament.
Tourism industry representatives say the World Cup is still expected to bring huge economic benefits to the US. Businesses — from restaurants to airlines — are preparing for billions of dollars in additional spending. With rising demand and shrinking housing availability, travellers are advised to book rooms as early as possible before prices rise further.
The US is bracing for a football invasion. 48 teams, three countries, millions of fans. Hotels and Airbnb are already full. Prices are climbing. Labour conflicts are mounting. And in Los Angeles, the Olympics are also on the horizon. Demand is huge, supply is limited. Travellers are advised to book now — later may be too late. The question is not whether the World Cup will bring billions of dollars. It will. The question is how long it will take to recoup that money, and who will pay for the strain on infrastructure. While fans search for accommodation, cities prepare for stress. And for striking workers.
