Kansas City won its bid for 2026 FIFA World Cup Host City on June 16th, 2022, expecting a whirlwind of tourist reservations, traffic, and a high revenue boost. As of June 5th, 2026, Kansas City’s hotel bookings are 90% below predictions, below average even for a normal year, just days before the World Cup kicks-off.
Since the host cities were announced, the anticipation for a high amount of tourists coming in and out of Kansas City has been consistent for locals, who have been preparing for a traffic-heavy summer. International tourism numbers are currently adding up to that of a typical summer for locals.
Over two million dollars has been put into Kansas City’s preparation and execution of hosting FIFA, according to The Kansas City Star. After four years of building hotels, an expanded Streetcar route, and even a renovation for Arrowhead Stadium, the planned location for the FIFA games to be held, a lot of investments are riding on the success of revenue being brought in from the predicted high rate of tourism between June and July.
According to The New York Times, Hotels in the 16 selected host cities had raised their prices in anticipation for the influx of tourists during the World Cup games, but are beginning to realize just how low the numbers might end up being. “the World Cup, at this point, doesn’t look as strong as what we had hoped.” Said Chris Nassetta, longtime president and CEO of Hilton Hotels & Resorts, at a conference in Washington D.C.
Why is Kansas City’s Tourism so Low?
According to timesofindia.com, Kansas City is emerging as the “softest market” among all of the U.S host cities. As of early May 2026, 85%- 90% of hotels reported their reservations to be significantly below expectations. The main hesitation for fans to actually stay in one of Kansas City’s hotels is because of the inflated prices in anticipation of a large wave of tourists looking for somewhere to stay. Jumping from $300 to over $1000 per night, Kansas City has become the most expensive area to stay.
Another reason that they have become the “softest market” is the extensive reservation cancellations in the area. These rooms were originally set aside for FIFA, but have since been released back to the general public because of lack of sales. There is also a large number of FIFA room block cancellations. Local hotels have reported extensive (70% to 95% of total rooms contracted) release of hotel rooms contracted by FIFA. these large over-commitments made by FIFA made an “artificial early demand signal” that has since unraveled because of lack of sales made through FIFA, leaving many hotels with an unexpectedly large number of vacant numbers. Kansas City is also facing a lower number of their traditional tourists because of the inflated prices and anticipated over-crowding during the tournament. By pricing out their regular customers because securing any guaranteed World Cup demand, some hotels have found themselves with less tourists of any kind.
Conclusion
Two days before kickoff, the prospect of a last-minute tourism boom appears increasingly unlikely. Hotels remain below expected occupancy levels, FIFA room blocks have gone unused, and international travel barriers continue to complicate plans for would-be visitors. For Kansas City, the question is no longer whether the World Cup will bring attention to the city, but whether that attention will translate into the economic payoff local leaders and businesses were promised four years ago.