U.S. Tourism Set to Surge During 2026 FIFA World Cup

International tourism to the United States is poised for a significant rebound due to the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup. This event is projected to attract over a million visitors to the U.S. as it unfolds across 16 host cities, with 11 of those located in the United States. The tournament will take place from June 11 to July 19, 2026, and is expected to offset a decline in foreign visitation experienced in 2025, which dropped by 4% year to date through July, according to visa data from the National Travel and Tourism Office.

Travel data firm Tourism Economics predicts that the number of foreign visitors to the U.S. could increase dramatically, potentially accounting for one in three additional visitors in 2026. This comes after a sluggish year when concerns over President Donald Trump’s trade policies and stricter border scrutiny discouraged travel.

Significant interest in the tournament is already evident, with searches for flights and accommodations around the event dates rising nearly 70% compared to the same period in 2025, according to Jaroslaw Grabczak, head of commercial product at the Poland-based online travel agency eSky. He anticipates that prices for lodging could surge by 30% during the early days of the event, potentially climbing as high as 60% during the final matches.

Visitor Projections and Spending Patterns

Estimates regarding the number of foreign visitors during the World Cup vary widely, ranging from 1 million to 6 million. A joint report from FIFA and the World Trade Organization suggests that international travelers will stay for an average of 12 days, purchase two tickets each, and spend approximately $416 daily.

In addition, short-term rental platform Airbnb forecasts around 232,000 guests will use its services in U.S. host cities, with each guest expected to pay around $142 per night. Despite the overall positive outlook, demand will not be evenly distributed across all host cities.

The official draw on December 5, 2025, will establish the match schedule and determine key venues, influencing travel patterns significantly. Matches involving teams such as England, France, Brazil, Argentina, and Portugal are likely to generate above-average demand due to their large fan bases.

Challenges for International Visitors

While interest is high, the travel landscape remains complicated. Nationals from 22 participating countries, including Brazil, Argentina, and Mexico, do not qualify for the U.S. Visa Waiver Program, which could hinder travel from these regions. In a move to alleviate concerns, President Trump has indicated that the U.S. will expedite visa processing for foreign visitors holding tickets to matches.

With the World Cup on the horizon, U.S. tourism stakeholders are preparing to welcome a wave of international fans, eager to experience one of the world’s premier sporting events. The potential influx of visitors not only represents a boost for the tourism sector but also a chance to revitalize local economies in host cities across the nation.