Reuters analysis suggests that next year’s FIFA World Cup—spread across 16 host cities in North America, 11 of them in the United States—could draw more than one million foreign visitors and reverse a 6.3 percent decline in 2025 inbound arrivals. Visa-issuance data show foreign visitation down 4 percent year-to-date as travelers cite tougher border scrutiny and uncertainty over Trump administration trade policies.
TravelEconomics projects hotel demand to spike 20–25 percent in host markets such as Los Angeles, Miami and New York. Convention bureaus are already reporting compression that could force corporate events into secondary cities or earlier dates. Airlines plan to add at least 200 temporary international frequencies during June–July 2026.
![2026 FIFA World Cup Poised to Re-energize U.S. Inbound Tourism After Sluggish 2025]()
From a global-mobility standpoint, companies should anticipate tighter temporary lodging inventory and higher per-diem rates for assignees and project teams in host metros. The State Department is expected to launch a dedicated “FIFA Guest” B-1/B-2 facilitation program in early 2026, but visa-appointment wait times could still lengthen.
Employers with construction, technology or hospitality projects tied to stadium upgrades should confirm that H-2B and L-1 workers secure slots in the FY 2026 visa caps before the tourism surge intensifies competition.
TravelEconomics projects hotel demand to spike 20–25 percent in host markets such as Los Angeles, Miami and New York. Convention bureaus are already reporting compression that could force corporate events into secondary cities or earlier dates. Airlines plan to add at least 200 temporary international frequencies during June–July 2026.
From a global-mobility standpoint, companies should anticipate tighter temporary lodging inventory and higher per-diem rates for assignees and project teams in host metros. The State Department is expected to launch a dedicated “FIFA Guest” B-1/B-2 facilitation program in early 2026, but visa-appointment wait times could still lengthen.
Employers with construction, technology or hospitality projects tied to stadium upgrades should confirm that H-2B and L-1 workers secure slots in the FY 2026 visa caps before the tourism surge intensifies competition.
