All articles tagged with #us host cities
As the 2026 World Cup lit up the U.S., record TV numbers and packed venues were complemented by off-field moments—Algerian fans in Kansas City, Norway’s Viking Row, the ranch-dressing craze, the Scottish Tartan Army in Boston and Miami, and a Texas lemonade stand drawing visitors from around the globe—showing the tournament as a vibrant, cross-cultural celebration beyond the matches.
Even with more than 5 million World Cup tickets sold, hotel bookings in most US host cities are well behind projections as international fans avoid the tournament due to visa delays, high travel costs, and broader travel concerns, threatening to shrink the projected $30 billion economic impact and forcing operators to recalibrate expectations.
Executives from US host cities for the 2026 World Cup expressed concerns over immigration enforcement actions, such as ICE raids, which create uncertainty around hosting international visitors amid slow visa processing and travel bans, but they remain committed to welcoming fans and ensuring a successful tournament.