One of the main goals of hosting a World Cup is the economic boost it can provide to the host country, and the 2026 edition will be no exception. That doesn’t mean prices will be affordable, far from it – just look at the current rates for hotel bookings around the inaugural match in Mexico City.
The game featuring the Mexican national team against South Africa on June 11 is generating massive excitement, and everyone wants to be there. But to attend, it seems you’ll have to spend a fortune.
Prices soar for the World Cup
According to a study published by The Athletic, hotel prices have surged by up to 961% (with some individual cases reaching over 2,300%). The analysis compares room rates available three weeks before a typical date to those during World Cup match dates, finding that average nightly rates at six hotels in Mexico City have jumped from around $172 to $1,572.
In the specific case of a hotel like Le Méridien Mexico City Reforma, rates for the nights of June 10 and 11 – coinciding with the opening match – have risen from approximately $157 to $3,882 per night, according to the same report.
The rate comparison was based on a sample of hotels selected via the Marriott Bonvoy and Hilton Honors apps, covering cities across the three host countries (Mexico, the United States, and Canada) – though Mexico City has seen the sharpest increases by far.
So this World Cup won’t be accessible to everyone, as evidenced by the prices for tickets, flights, and accommodations. Let’s hope it’s a great celebration, even if many will have to enjoy it from their TV screens at home.
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