Hotel prices for the 2026 FIFA World Cup 2026 have started falling in several host cities as the tournament approaches, giving fans new hope of finding more affordable accommodation. Analysts say many hotels had expected massive demand after the tournament draw in December, but bookings in several cities have not matched those early expectations.
Ashley Gutermuth, Head of FCM Consulting Americas, said hotels initially raised prices sharply after the official World Cup schedule was announced in Washington, D.C. on December 5. However, by April, prices had already started dropping in nearly half of the host cities.
Gutermuth said many hotels expected a once-in-a-generation travel boom, but current booking trends have been weaker than expected. She added that prices may continue to decline in some markets as the June 11 tournament opening in Mexico City gets closer.
According to the latest FCM Consulting report, fans should not assume current hotel prices are final. The report said hotels in several cities are adjusting rates downward after demand failed to meet early forecasts.
Analysts believe the biggest price reductions may happen during the final two to three weeks before the tournament begins. Travelers who remain flexible with locations and travel dates may still find better deals in several host cities.
Despite recent declines, hotel prices remain far above normal summer rates in many locations.
The average hotel room price across all World Cup host cities currently stands at around USD 499 per night. Before the tournament schedule was finalized, the average rate was about USD 438.
Some cities have seen especially large increases compared to regular hotel prices.
Vancouver currently has the highest average hotel prices among all 16 host cities. Rooms there are averaging around USD 890 per night.
Experts say Vancouver’s high prices are linked to limited hotel supply and strict short-term rental rules. The city has only around 30,000 hotel rooms available and will also face heavy tourism demand from a record cruise ship season.
Vancouver is scheduled to host seven World Cup matches, including knockout-round games.
New York City also remains one of the most expensive host markets, with average room prices near USD 593 per night. The city will host several major matches, including the World Cup final at MetLife Stadium.
Hotel prices in Boston are averaging around USD 611 per night, while Mexico City remains expensive due to the opening match and strong international demand.
Analysts believe prices in Vancouver, New York, and Mexico City may remain high because of limited room supply and strong tourism demand.
Meanwhile, several other host cities are seeing lower prices because they have larger hotel inventories and weaker booking trends.
Houston currently offers the cheapest hotel prices among all host cities, averaging around USD 205 per night.
Experts say Houston benefits from having more than 100,000 hotel rooms across the metropolitan area, making it one of the largest hotel markets in the United States.
Other cities with relatively lower prices include Dallas, Atlanta, and San Francisco.
In Mexico, some cities have experienced dramatic price increases. Hotel rates in Guadalajara rose by nearly 468 percent compared to last year. Rooms that previously cost around USD 90 per night are now averaging more than USD 500.
Monterrey also saw major increases, with some game-night hotel prices more than doubling.
Analysts say several outside factors may also be slowing travel demand. Expensive World Cup tickets, rising airfare prices, and global energy market concerns linked to tensions around the Strait of Hormuz are increasing travel costs for international fans.
Gutermuth said many visitors are now facing a very large travel budget once hotel prices, airfare, match tickets, and visa fees are combined.
FCM Consulting plans to continue monitoring hotel pricing trends as the tournament approaches. Analysts expect another possible wave of hotel discounts in the weeks leading up to kickoff as hotels attempt to fill remaining rooms.
