World Cup 2026: The anticipated economic benefits in the United States already falling short of promises

Much too much: exorbitant prices for lodging and transportation during the World Cup in the United States

Less than two months before the event, American hotels are not fully booked. Industry professionals were expecting a massive wave of international supporters, but the demand remains surprisingly weak. In New York, reservations are comparable to those in a year without the World Cup. Worse: room prices, initially multiplied by four, have had to be revised downwards, sometimes with discounts of up to 50%. On average, rates have dropped by a third compared to their peak.

First reason: ticket prices. It is the main barrier. Consumer associations denounce an “opaque” and “unprecedented” pricing system. In the United States, where major sporting events are already expensive, FIFA is following a market logic.

And the ticket is just the beginning. Getting to MetLife stadium, which will host eight matches including the final, is going to be extremely expensive.

Out of the expected 80,000 spectators each of the eight match nights in the stadium in New Jersey near New York, half are expected to arrive by train, the rest by car and bus. The round-trip train journey, usually priced at around $12.90, will cost $150: more than eleven times the normal fare. The bus will be $80, and parking will cost $225 per match.

Between transportation, accommodation, and other expenses, the experience becomes prohibitive and excludes some international supporters, traditionally the biggest spenders in tourism.