Football fans hoping to attend the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America are being urged to finalise their travel and accommodation plans without delay. The warning comes as the tournament experiences unprecedented demand and soaring costs in host cities.
Record Demand and Skyrocketing Costs
The 2026 event has already sparked a frenzy, with organisers receiving a staggering over 500 million ticket requests. This record-breaking interest is creating a severe squeeze on availability. Travel specialists report that hotel prices in some host cities have surged by more than 150% compared to the same period last year.
The situation is particularly acute around the opening match, where average accommodation rates have reportedly skyrocketed by 328 per cent. With availability rapidly dwindling, experts stress that delaying bookings could result in exorbitant prices or a complete lack of options.
Visa Hurdles and Transport Adjustments
Compounding the planning challenge for international supporters is a significant shift in US immigration policy. The US State Department has temporarily paused immigrant visa processing from 75 countries. This list includes several major footballing nations, potentially impacting fan attendance.
It is understood that exceptions will be made for players, team officials, and other accredited personnel, but ordinary fans may face obstacles. This development adds a layer of complexity and urgency for those needing visas to enter the United States for the tournament.
Meanwhile, transport providers are scaling up operations to manage the expected influx. Both American Airlines and Amtrak have confirmed they are adding extra services to key host destinations. Airfare trends are currently mixed, with some cities seeing price increases while others are experiencing decreases, highlighting the need for thorough research.
The Critical Booking Window
The core advice from industry professionals is unequivocal: act now. The combination of finite accommodation, volatile flight prices, and administrative hurdles like visa processing creates a perfect storm for procrastinators.
Fans are recommended to treat their World Cup 2026 travel plans with immediate priority. Securing flexible booking options where possible and monitoring official travel advisories are also suggested as key steps to mitigate risk and ensure a spot at the world's biggest sporting event.
