Empty rooms and fake requests from FIFA » The big failure that is taking shape before the World Cup

A report released by the American Hotel and Lodging Association (AHLA) found that bookings are well below expectations in nearly every host city.

The AHLA said this did not align with FIFA's claim that more than five million tickets had been sold, creating a risk that the “anticipated economic impact may not live up to expectations”, according to bbc.com.

FIFA does not recognize the allegations against it

His report places some of the blame on FIFA, accusing the world forum of blocking an excessive number of cameras for its own use, thereby creating false demand.

This, the AHLA said, led to artificially high prices, which, after FIFA canceled a large number of rooms, were replaced by a vacuum of availability.

Hoteliers say high match ticket prices, local transport costs and taxes, as well as the political climate, have put visitors off. And that is exactly why, for hotels, this World Cup could turn out to be a failure.

FIFA bookings 'created artificial demand'

AHLA noted that hotels have been preparing for years and have made “significant investments” based on official projections.

A study commissioned by FIFA and published last year estimated that in the US the World Cup could create 185,000 jobs, adding $17.2bn (£12.7bn) to gross domestic product.

Hotels were bracing for an influx of international travelers, who are booking longer stays and spending more.

But the AHLA warned that fewer foreign fans “threaten the wider economic impact” just over three weeks before the opening match on June 11.

The association added that this booking policy “created artificial demand” and masked the fact that the flow of tourists would be lower than expected.

• Up to 70 percent of FIFA's reserved rooms in Boston, Dallas, Los Angeles, Philadelphia and Seattle have been canceled, AHLA said.

“All room releases were carried out in accordance with the contractual terms agreed with the hotel partners, which is standard practice for an event of this magnitude,” a FIFA spokesman said.

“In many cases, room releases have been made ahead of schedule to accommodate hotel requests.

Throughout the planning process, FIFA's accommodation team maintained constant discussions with hotel stakeholders, including adjustments to room blocks, agreeing rates, confirming room types and regular reporting, supported by public meetings and ongoing communication.”

Prices skyrocketed after the draw

Since then, there has been a gradual decline, reported to be another 20% in recent weeks. But it may be too late to win back fans.

Hotel prices in cities like Boston are still over $300 a night, and most fans operate on a budget.

“We know many fans are still waiting for tickets and schedules to become clearer before finalizing their plans,” a spokesperson said. “We believe bookings will increase in the coming weeks. Hotels are ready to welcome guests and ensure they have the best possible experience.”

Airbnb claims that this World Cup is on track to become the “biggest hosted event in Airbnb history”, surpassing the 2024 Paris Olympics and Paralympics.

Hotels may have to rely on earnings from the knockout stages, when fans have to book at short notice.