Today on Forbes, the U.S. hotel industry is starting to worry about the World Cup.

Due to ongoing economic uncertainty, geopolitical tension, and a prolonged, so-called, quote,

Trump slump causing a drop in international visitors, the significant boost U.S. hotels were expecting

from the World Cup may not happen, according to Kostar,

the leading benchmarking and analytics firm for the industry.

The U.S. hotel industry is concerned about the impact of the World Cup due to uncertainty

over international fan attendance. A FIFA analysis last year projected a $30.5 billion economic boost and 185,000 jobs this year,

assuming millions of international tourists would flock to the tournament.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino has repeatedly stated that World Cup tickets sold out quickly,

yet some U.S. fans received emails in February

offering a 48-hour window to purchase tickets. Alan Fjall, professor at the University of

Central Florida's Rosen College of Hospitality Management, told Forbes, quote,

they're selling primarily to domestic customers.

There is a big question about international visitors.

Reports of domestic ticket sales and the notoriously difficult US visa process have raised doubts.

Host cities were advised to expect a 50-50 split between domestic and international visitors, but hotels prefer international

guests because they spend more, stay longer, use more amenities, and contribute more to the local

economy. U.S. inbound international travel declined in 2025, a trend noted by U.S. Travel Association CEO Jeff Freeman at the 26 America's

Lodging Investment Summit in January. Freeman questioned if the Trump administration's tourism

dampening policies, like the $250 visa integrity fee and proposed social media history requirement for some travelers would continue.

At the same event, Marriott's CEO Anthony Capuano suggested the U.S. was not welcoming, stating that

travelers' concerns about the customs and immigration experience are, quote, big impediments to the lodging

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