The World Cup 2026 US events period will bring major change to the meetings and events landscape. Running from 11 June to 19 July 2026, the tournament will attract millions of fans and global media attention. For planners, this means shifting availability, premium hotel rates and unique opportunities to align corporate events with one of the world’s biggest sporting moments.
Hotels across host cities like New York, Miami, Los Angeles and Dallas are expected to reach record occupancy. Room blocks will sell out early, and daily rates could rise by as much as 40%.
For meetings and incentive travel, this will mean:
Booking further in advance than usual
Considering non-host cities for better value
Securing flexible cancellation clauses where possible
Early planning is key for clients holding events in June or July 2026.
Many stadiums and large arenas will be dedicated to World Cup activity, with nearby venues also heavily booked for sponsor activations and fan zones.
For planners, secondary markets such as Austin, Charlotte, or Nashville will become valuable alternatives — still lively but without the full tournament impact.
The World Cup 2026 also opens creative possibilities. Companies can host watch parties, create football-inspired themes, or schedule incentive programmes to capture tournament buzz.
Cities like Houston and Atlanta are already preparing large-scale fan festivals that can double as experiential tie-ins for brands and delegates.
With international arrivals and matchday congestion, transport and logistics will need extra care. Expect higher airport traffic, longer travel times, and peak pricing for transfers.
Planners should:
Add buffer time for airport and ground transfers
Avoid scheduling major sessions on matchdays
Communicate clearly with attendees about expected travel delays
Rates for venues, food and beverage, and AV services will all rise during the World Cup 2026 US events window. Many suppliers will introduce peak-season pricing.
We recommend:
Including a 10–20% cost buffer in budgets
Confirming contracts early to secure baseline rates
Considering pre- or post-tournament dates for cost control
The tournament runs from early June to mid-July, so early June may still offer value before peak demand hits. Late June through July will be the busiest. Non-host destinations provide balance between excitement and availability.
The World Cup 2026 will transform how the US hosts meetings and events. While demand and pricing will climb, the tournament also brings once-in-a-generation opportunities to elevate delegate experience.
For MD Venue Finding clients, planning early and thinking strategically will be the key to success — turning the world’s biggest sporting event into a moment for connection, creativity and brand impact.