FIFA World Cup 2026 impacts hotels and short-term rentals differently

The 2026 FIFA World Cup has produced divergent economic outcomes for the hospitality sectors in North America. In Los Angeles, an industry report from the Hotel Association of Los Angeles indicates that the tournament failed to provide the expected boost to local hotels. Approximately 72% of surveyed hotels reported a negative financial impact for 2026, with 48% describing the impact as “extremely negative.” Consequently, many hotels have held staffing levels flat or implemented cuts. UNITE HERE Local 11 noted that nearly 20% of its members in Los Angeles saw reduced hours due to tourism declines.

In contrast, short-term rentals saw significant growth. In Los Angeles, short-term rental demand increased by 23% and revenue by 21% compared to the summer 2024 benchmark. Research from AirDNA suggests that short-term rental hosts across 15 host markets in the United States, Canada, and Mexico saw improved guest experiences during the tournament. New Airbnb properties in these markets generally achieved higher average star ratings and a higher proportion of five-star reviews compared to similar listings in previous years.