The sports world has its eyes set on the upcoming FIFA World
Cup 2026, but travelers heading to games in the United States are experiencing
higher prices and even higher anxiety.
According to a new study from Upgraded Points of non-U.S.
residents across 22 participating countries, 49% of soccer fans said the U.S.
hosting the tournament makes them less excited overall.
Another 37% said they would be less likely to attend a World
Cup in the U.S. than in other host countries, as ongoing safety, political, and
logistical concerns remain top of mind for many travelers.
“The 2026 World Cup will be historic, but for the average
fan, this bucket-list experience comes with a premium price tag,” Upgraded
Points editor-in-chief Keri Stooksbury said.
“We wanted to look past the hype and break down the actual
financial barrier for fans, especially for international travelers, who are
navigating high U.S. travel costs, ever-increasing fuel costs, and
border-crossing concerns to reach the 11 U.S. host cities,” Stooksbury continued.
Safety and Immigration Concerns Linger
The study found that 59% of soccer fans interested in the
World Cup would feel unsafe traveling to the U.S. for a major sporting event
right now, with another 27% saying they would feel “very unsafe.”
The data from Upgraded Points found that 66% of survey
respondents said recent immigration-related events have made them more hesitant
to travel to the U.S. Also, 33% showed extreme concern about possible issues
with U.S. border control, while only 16% reported having “no concerns at all”
about entering the country.
While 51% of potential travelers identified high travel
costs as a main factor in apprehension about visiting the U.S. for the World Cup,
political concerns such as unrest (55%), entry/visa processes (53%), stricter
immigration enforcement (52%), and anti-foreigner sentiment (45%) still
resonate with tourists.
Upgraded Points’ World Cup survey. (Photo Credit: Upgraded Points)
World Cup Travel is Pricey
As for the cost of World Cup travel—which includes a
two-night Airbnb stay near the venue, round-trip airfare, rideshares, food,
drinks, a replica jersey, and the median resale price of a Category 1 ticket—prices
vary by host city, with a large gap between the most and least expensive.
Boston tops the list as the most expensive destination at $8,929,
followed by Philadelphia ($7,139), Los Angeles ($5,630), San Francisco ($5,624),
Houston ($5,383), Atlanta ($5,268), Dallas ($4,996), Kansas City ($4,716), Seattle
($3,260), New York ($3,082), and Miami ($2,614).
U.S. Travel Association Weighs In
A new World Cup 2026 travel study from the U.S. Travel
Association found that visitors coming to the United States are planning longer
stays and spending more than expected, but there are still concerns for
international tourists.
According to the survey, international World Cup visitors
are expected to spend more than $5,000 per person, 1.7 times more than typical
international trips to the U.S. Another 33% plan to stay longer than two weeks,
and more than 80% are open to visiting destinations beyond the host city.
The data also found that around one-third of respondents
cited concerns regarding increased visa application fees and proposed social
media requirements for the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA)
application, two proposed policies that have not been implemented.
“This research shows visitors aren’t just coming for the
matches, they are coming to experience America,” U.S. Travel Association President
and CEO Geoff Freeman said. “Being prepared and welcoming is not just good for
visitors. It strengthens our economy, supports 15 million jobs and reinforces
the values we share as a nation.”
“In sports, you don’t show up to the championship unprepared,”
Freeman continued. “The 2026 World Cup is America’s championship moment—the
largest sporting event in history, on our soil, with the world watching. The
demand is there. The fans are coming. Now it’s time for Washington to make sure
we are ready to win.”
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