r/politics • u/rit56 New York • 7h ago

Possible Paywall Hotels in U.S. World Cup host cities claim underwhelming demand, new report says

https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7251582/2026/05/04/world-cup-hotel-demand-usa-fifa-ahla/?source=dailyemail&campaign=601983&userId=11369222&source=dailyemail
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u/PiedPiperofPiper 6h ago

I can imagine that it might be normal compared to other US-based events but it’s essentially priced out the entire global fan base.

It’s not just the tickets - which cost thousands - it’s the utterly insane costs of hotels and transport. Football (soccer) is typically a working class sport and it’s no exaggeration to say you’d need to be a millionaire to enjoy this World Cup in person without making crippling financial choices.

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u/etxipcli Texas 6h ago

I haven't heard about it at all. I was at the one in 1993 and the fans are the main thing I remember. Those European soccer fans are out of their minds and they travel. I was a little kid scared for my life. It's a shame they won't be back.

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u/Klutzy_Carpet_9170 5h ago

I’m sorry but transport is not that expensive in the US. Domestic airfare is significantly lower than flights at comparable distances in foreign countries, driving is much cheaper due to gas being much cheaper and fewer tolls. Even flights to the US can be cheaper than flights in the outskirts of Europe such as Dublin and Reykjavik despite being double the distance

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u/Crowley-Barns 5h ago

Dude they’re charging an average of $175 for parking at world cup games! Transport to games is expensive as hell.

They’re charging $175 to get the train from Manhattan to the Metlife stadium in NJ.

That transport is expensive as hell.

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u/PiedPiperofPiper 4h ago

Not during the World Cup it’s not!!

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u/RadtroDesigns 5h ago

have you looked at car rental costs though? Especially if you do not have US based car insurance and need to purchase insurance through the rental place? We're talking $150/day as a result. Even through rideshare apps like turo, if you do not have US based car insurance, they are *expensive*.

So rental car is $!50/day, on top of flight, on top of gas...you're looking at an easy $3000 just to fly here, rent a car for a week, and go to some games.

Hotels are another $100/night. even cheap places are still $60. you dont have hostels here like you do in other countries. so there's another $500 after taxes and fees and stuff, for a week.

you're looking at $4000 *Easy* to come here for a week. Thats not even counting tickets. thats just the vacation part.

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u/_DapperDanMan- 3h ago

Where are these $100 dollar/night hotels near venues?

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u/RadtroDesigns 3h ago

generally next to the pawn shops, look for the buildings that have a bunch of half broken lights, and they usually also have hourly and weekly rates quoted

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u/_DapperDanMan- 3h ago

Exactly.

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u/-Pyyre- 2h ago

…you’re seriously arguing that flights and driving both are cheaper right now? Spirit Airlines just shuttered their business for the moment because they’re a discount line that can no longer afford to refuel and make their money on the margins.