Miami (EFE).— The United States is preparing to receive one of the largest waves of tourists in its recent history during the 2026 FIFA World Cup. More than 1.24 million fans will travel to the country to enjoy the tournament, with an estimated average of two matches per person, according to an analysis by Tourism Economics, a firm associated with Oxford Economics.
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The increase in international arrivals will be notable: a
60% increase is projected, as well as a
growth of up to 25% in hotel revenue, directly driven by the celebration of the most followed sporting event on the planet.
The World Cup, which will be played from
June 11 to July 19, will generate unprecedented demand in the US tourism sector. Experts predict that the flow of visitors will have immediate effects due to high hotel occupancy, as well as lasting economic benefits thanks to the country’s global exposure.
A million fans and an unprecedented impact
The report indicates that
742,000 visitors, equivalent to 60% of the total projected, would not travel to the U.S. if it were not for the World Cup. The tourism climate of 2025 showed signs of slowing down, so this rebound is shaping up as a key boost for the recovery of the sector.
“Fans plan for years to follow their national teams, organizing unique trips around the World Cup,” said analyst Aran Ryan in a recent seminar. According to estimates,
40% of the audience present in the stadiums will be foreign.
Leading cities in benefits: New York, Dallas, and Miami
The tournament will feature
48 teams and 104 matches, of which
78 will be played in the United States. Cities like
New York, Dallas, and Miami —venues for key matches, including advanced phase clashes— will be the most benefited by hotel demand.
The projections estimate an increase of between
2.5% and 7% in hotel rates and occupancy in June, a period in which the largest number of matches are concentrated. In July, the month that includes the quarter-finals, semi-finals and the
grand final at MetLife Stadium, annual revenues could grow between
1% and 5%.
The Impact of Football Powerhouses
Argentina, Brazil, France, and England top the list of teams that mobilize the most followers, generating a greater economic impact on the host cities. A surprising performance by less common teams could further increase the flow of visitors, by opening up expectations of historic moments for their fans.
Ticket sales and expectations
FIFA has already surpassed
one million tickets sold after the first draw in September. A second sales process in October also registered high demand, although no official figures have been offered.
The next milestone of the tournament will be the
group draw on December 5 in Washington D.C., when the pairings and venues of each team will be defined, which will allow for a more precise projection of tourist movement in each city.
“The global reach of the World Cup is unparalleled,” Ryan emphasized, underscoring the magnitude of the event that will transform the US tourism industry during the summer of 2026.
