Los Angeles, May 22, 2026 – As the 2026 FIFA World Cup approaches, hotel operators in Los Angeles are expressing concern over significantly lower-than-expected bookings for the tournament period.
According to a recent survey by the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA), nearly 70% of hotels in the LA area report that reservations are tracking below forecasts, lagging behind typical summer occupancy levels. Specific data from Hollywood and Beverly Hills properties shows average occupancies hovering around 28-37% for June and July, far below the 90%+ rates usually seen during peak summer months.
This trend is not isolated to Los Angeles. Across the 11 U.S. host cities, approximately 80% of hotels are underperforming expectations as the tournament, set to begin in mid-June, draws closer.
FIFA Room Blocks and Pricing Challenges
A major factor behind the slow uptake has been FIFA’s management of room inventory. The organization had pre-blocked thousands of rooms at elevated rates across host cities, creating an impression of strong early demand. However, FIFA later cancelled up to 70% of these blocks in several markets, including Los Angeles. While this released more rooms back to the general market, it also left a noticeable gap in actual bookings.
Hotels responded to initial hype by raising rates dramatically — in some cases by 300% or more. These inflated prices, combined with high costs for match tickets, flights, and local transportation, appear to have deterred many fans from committing early.
Additional barriers include:
- Visa processing delays and immigration uncertainties affecting international travelers.
- Broader geopolitical concerns and a general slowdown in global tourism.
- Competition from short-term rental platforms like Airbnb.
- LA-specific issues such as increased labor costs and the distance of some properties from SoFi Stadium.
Outlook and Potential Late Surge
Despite the current softness, many hoteliers remain optimistic about a last-minute rush. Domestic fans and spontaneous travelers often book closer to major events, and prices in some LA neighborhoods have already begun to moderate by around 20% from their peak levels.
Los Angeles is scheduled to host eight matches at SoFi Stadium, including several high-profile fixtures, which could still drive stronger demand as the tournament nears. Industry observers note that large sporting events frequently see booking patterns accelerate in the final weeks.
For fans planning to attend, experts recommend monitoring official host committee channels and platforms like CrewFare for negotiated rates. Considering properties farther from the stadium with good public transit links or exploring alternative accommodations may provide better value.
The situation underscores a common challenge with mega-events: while they generate significant excitement, over-optimistic pricing and external economic factors can temper the expected tourism windfall. Whether LA hotels see a strong rebound in the coming weeks will be closely watched by the local hospitality industry.
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