Since the FIFA World Cup draw on 5 December last year, the so-called ‘domino effect’ has begun to ripple through the world of football tourism. Ticket prices have skyrocketed, and accommodation costs in host cities are surging in tandem, placing unprecedented financial pressure on fans hoping to witness the tournament live.
Sky-High Ticket Prices
One of the main factors driving the cost is the extraordinary demand for tickets. Between 11 December and 13 January, nearly 500 million applications were submitted for the ticket lottery. From 5 February, successful applicants will be notified via email. FIFA President Gianni Infantino has warned that many ticket holders will resell at a profit, pushing prices beyond the reach of average supporters.
Accommodation Costs Soar
Securing a place to stay has become another major hurdle. Platforms like Airbnb and Booking.com are now seeing nightly rates that many fans consider eye-watering. For example, a hotel near MetLife Stadium in New Jersey is charging USD 4,510 per night, compared with its usual rate of USD 153—a staggering 2,848% increase. In Short Hills, a seven-bedroom house is available for three nights at USD 35,000. Los Angeles has also seen short-term rental demand jump by 121%, while overall searches for accommodation after the World Cup draw increased by 160%. Many cities simply lack sufficient hotels to meet the surge in tourism.
Accommodation Price Examples
| Location | Regular Rate | World Cup Rate | Increase (%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| MetLife Stadium Hotel, NJ | 153 | 4,510 | 2,848 |
| Short Hills, 7-Bedroom House | 1,500 | 35,000 | 2,233 |
| Los Angeles, Short-Term Rent | 250 | 552 | 121 |
Parking Fees Exceed Ticket Prices
Even attending by car has become a luxury. Official FIFA parking in Los Angeles ranges from USD 250–300, surpassing the cost of many ticket categories. Fans paying USD 300 must walk over a mile to reach the stadium, though FIFA cites local conditions for the extended route.
Booking Cancellations and Price Manipulation
Many property owners are exploiting the surge in demand by cancelling prior bookings. Croatian-American fan Anthony Zoric booked a property in Dallas for USD 327, only to have it cancelled shortly after the draw under the guise of “maintenance.” Within an hour, the same property was advertised for USD 917, effectively tripling the price overnight. Airbnb has pledged fines and profile blocks for such practices, but fans remain frustrated. In Boston, English supporter John Sear recounted a similar experience: a pre-booked property was invalidated due to a supposed “software error,” likely a tactic to resell at a higher price.
The ‘World Cup Effect’
Airbnb became an official FIFA partner in June 2025. Analysts project nearly USD 1.2 billion in transactions through the platform alone during this tournament. This mirrors previous events such as the “Taylor Swift Effect” or “Beyoncé Effect,” where concerts significantly boosted local economies. The so-called World Cup Effect is expected to reverberate globally until 19 July 2026, influencing prices, tourism, and urban logistics across host cities.
The combination of exorbitant ticket prices, accommodation surges, and added expenses like parking make the 2026 FIFA World Cup poised to be the most expensive in history, a financial challenge as much as a sporting spectacle.
