CoStar and Tourism Economics Project 1.7% RevPAR Increase for U.S. Hotels During 2026 World Cup

CoStar and Tourism Economics have released a revised U.S. hotel forecast projecting a 1.7% increase in revenue per available room (RevPAR) during the World Cup months of June and July 2026.

The revised forecast projects a 0.6% increase in RevPAR for the U.S. hotel industry in 2026, following a 0.3% decline in 2025. The 1.7% RevPAR increase in June and July 2026 is attributed to the World Cup, and without this event-driven gain, RevPAR growth for the year would be 40 basis points lower at 0.2%.

During the last U.S.-hosted World Cup in 1994, RevPAR for June and July rose 6.9%, largely due to a 5.0% increase in average daily rate (ADR). For 2026, top-line growth is expected to come almost entirely from a 1.6% lift in ADR.

Ten of the eleven U.S. World Cup host cities are included in STR’s Top 25 Markets, focusing on the event’s impact on the country’s largest hotel markets. These host markets are projected to see a RevPAR gain of 3.8% for the year and a 12.7% increase in June and July. In 1994, host cities saw a 11.9% increase in RevPAR for June and July. Without the World Cup, 2026 host markets would be forecast to grow RevPAR by just 2.0%.

Forward-booking data shows an uptick in occupancy beginning on the day of the first U.S. match, scheduled for June 12, 2026, and remaining elevated through July 4. After the holiday, occupancy levels are projected to return to pre-tournament levels.

The forecast notes uncertainty surrounding international inbound travel, which declined in 2025 due to policy and perception changes. The CoStar and Tourism Economics forecasts will continue to be updated as new booking data becomes available.