World Cup Attendance Plummets as Immigration Fears Deter Visitors

Hotels slash rates as tens of thousands of reservations are canceled amid anti-American sentiment and deportation concerns.

Apr. 15, 2026 at 7:42pm

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A serene, photorealistic painting of a hotel concierge desk in a warm, golden light, conveying a sense of melancholy and uncertainty about the future.The World Cup's anticipated economic boom has turned to bust, as hotels slash rates and cancel reservations amid fears over the Trump administration's immigration crackdown.East Rutherford Today

The 2026 World Cup in the United States is facing a major attendance crisis, with hotels slashing room rates and FIFA canceling tens of thousands of reserved hotel rooms across the country. Industry experts blame the Trump administration's anti-immigrant policies and ongoing deportation efforts, which have eroded international confidence in visiting the U.S. for the global soccer tournament.

Why it matters

The World Cup was expected to provide a major economic boost, with an estimated $30.5 billion in economic activity. However, the Trump administration's hardline immigration stance has prompted many potential visitors to reconsider traveling to the U.S., jeopardizing the tournament's financial success and global reputation.

The details

Hotel companies had anticipated millions of international visitors for the World Cup, but are now reporting drastically reduced room rates and mass cancellations of reservations. Officials cite 'anti-American sentiment' and fear of the Trump administration's deportation policies as key factors deterring travelers. ICE has refused to pause arrests during the tournament, despite calls from lawmakers to ensure the safety of visitors.

  • The 2026 World Cup is scheduled to take place from July 11 to July 19 across 11 U.S. cities.
  • In February 2026, ICE Director Todd Lyons refused to commit to pausing deportation arrests during the World Cup.

The players

Lior Sekler

Chief commercial officer at hotel operator HRI Hospitality.

Todd Lyons

Acting Director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

Nellie Pou

U.S. Representative from New Jersey, where some World Cup matches will be held.

Karen Newton

A British tourist who was detained by ICE for six weeks despite having a valid visa and no criminal record.

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What they’re saying

“'Obviously, people's desire to come to the United States right now is down.'”

— Lior Sekler, Chief commercial officer at hotel operator HRI Hospitality

“'ICE, specifically Homeland Security Investigations, is a key part of the overall security apparatus for the World Cup. We are dedicated to securing that operation and we are dedicated to the security of all of our participants as well as visitors.'”

— Todd Lyons, Acting Director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)

“'I don't even have parking tickets in the background anywhere. I am not a dangerous criminal. I didn't enter the country illegally, and I had everything I needed to be there.'”

— Karen Newton

What’s next

FIFA is considering whether to directly ask President Trump to pause ICE deportation raids during the World Cup tournament.

The takeaway

The Trump administration's hardline immigration policies have severely undermined international confidence in visiting the United States for the 2026 World Cup, jeopardizing the tournament's financial success and global reputation. This will be a major test of whether the U.S. can host major international events without deterring foreign travelers through aggressive deportation efforts.