Hotel bookings in Atlanta are coming in lower than expected ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, despite the city hosting eight matches, including a semifinal.
An April survey from the American Hotel & Lodging Association found bookings in several U.S. host cities were below forecasts, with high travel costs and visa concerns potentially affecting international visitors.
In Atlanta, hotels report demand remains stronger than a typical summer but has not reached the levels many expected when the city was selected as a World Cup host. Industry leaders say many fans are waiting to secure tickets before making travel plans, resulting in a shorter booking window than anticipated.
According to Atlanta tourism officials, about 240,000 hotel room nights have been reserved in downtown Atlanta, Midtown and Buckhead during the tournament period, roughly 86,000 more than last summer. Even so, reservations remain below initial forecasts.
Tourism leaders expect bookings to increase as the tournament draws closer and more fans secure tickets and finalize travel plans.
