The 2026 FIFA World Cup is slated to be the biggest in men’s soccer history with 48 nations competing, and the Netherlands are hoping to channel success from past tournaments.
The European nation returns to the top stage in the sport with a talented roster after making a deep run in 2022. However, the previously World Cup in Qatar was missing a crucial ingredient for the Dutch side.
Soccer fans have become enamored by the Netherlands’ new kits for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. This comes after the nation used inspiration from its old jerseys from 1988 when Ruud Gullit led the country.
Gullit and Co. appeared at the 1990 FIFA World Cup after missing out on two straight appearances at the tournament prior to that.
In 2026, the Dutch will have significant expectations while donning their impressive Nike kits. This comes as the Netherlands look to avenge top nations like Argentina, Portugal and Spain.
Holland has a deep squad including Premier League stars like Virgil van Dijk, Cody Gakpo and Xavi Simons. Meanwhile, veteran goalscorer Memphis Depay returns to the European squad as he and his teammates look to break through in another major competition.
The Netherlands celebrates after forward Memphis Depay scored a goal against the United States of America at the 2022 FIFA World Cup. Mandatory Credit: Yukihito Taguchi-Imagn Images
The Dutch will face Japan, Tunisia and another European qualifying nation during Group F this summer. Holland enters the tournament as firm favorites to finish atop the group and make a run into the knockout phase just like during the 2022 tournament.
Los Angeles Joins New York, Chicago, San Francisco, Phoenix, Portland, San Diego and More in activating an ambitious tourism expansion strategy designed to capture the massive wave of international travelers expected for FIFA World Cup 2026. With global attention turning toward the United States and eight matches set to be played in LA, city leaders are accelerating destination marketing, strengthening airline partnerships, and enhancing visitor experiences to drive record arrivals, boost tourism revenue, and position the city as a premier gateway for the world’s biggest sporting event.
The city is gearing up to host eight high-stakes matches along with 39 days of immersive fan celebrations. Beyond the action on the pitch, travelers will find a destination alive with headline entertainment, diverse neighborhoods, standout dining, thriving arts and culture, and a wave of new attractions set to debut in time for the world’s biggest sporting event.
“As we prepare for one of the biggest years in our city’s history, this campaign reflects our commitment to the thousands of Angelenos and hundreds of local businesses who depend on tourism,” said Eileen Hanson, Chief Marketing Officer, Los Angeles Tourism. “As an official Los Angeles World Cup Host City Supporter, the World Cup offers a moment to showcase the creativity, diversity, and spirit that sets Los Angeles apart, and we’re proud to welcome fans as they begin their journeys here.”
The promotional drive spans influential markets at home and abroad, targeting travelers in the United Kingdom, Australia, Mexico, and South Korea, along with major U.S. gateways such as New York, Chicago, San Francisco, Phoenix, Portland, Detroit, San Diego, Santa Barbara, Sacramento, and Washington, DC. The media strategy blends broadcast television and connected TV with digital banners, search campaigns, social storytelling, and eye-catching large-scale outdoor placements. The goal is simple: motivate fans to lock in their travel plans early for what promises to be one of the most significant sporting moments in recent history.
In London, the campaign takes over Waterloo Station, one of Europe’s busiest rail hubs, turning it into a bold tribute to Los Angeles and the energy of world football. The activation transforms daily commuter traffic into a global audience, complete with immersive visuals and live moments that celebrate the sport’s flair. Influencer-led storytelling extends the experience online, using creative visuals and playful narratives to bring LA’s football spirit and lifestyle to life for international viewers.
Strategic airline and media alliances form another pillar of the campaign. In Australia, collaboration with United Airlines spotlights nonstop connections to Los Angeles, supported by targeted outreach in Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane. In Mexico, Los Angeles branding continues to soar through a dedicated aircraft presence, integrated with a wide-reaching multimedia effort alongside leading broadcast partners. Over in South Korea, the message commands attention in Seoul’s famed K-Pop Square through a striking three-dimensional billboard installation featuring prominent LA football figures, merging pop culture and sport in one high-impact display.
Digital engagement plays a central role as well. A partnership with OneFootball connects Los Angeles to a massive international fan base that consumes football content daily. Through curated features, interactive content, and targeted placements, the city is introduced as more than just a host venue—it is presented as an experience layered with culture, creativity, and celebration.
For travelers seeking practical details, a dedicated multilingual platform on DiscoverLA.com serves as the campaign’s information hub. Visitors can browse curated neighborhood guides, explore cultural highlights, and dive into culinary recommendations through features such as a World Cup-inspired dining trail. Working alongside the Los Angeles World Cup 2026 Host Committee, tourism leaders have also assembled a comprehensive 39-day calendar outlining fan gatherings, community events, and official Fan Zone locations across the city.
At the community level, businesses are being encouraged to join the momentum through themed décor kits designed to create a unified welcome for international guests. Plans are also underway for the official FIFA Fan Festival, which will convert the historic Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum into a lively gathering space filled with screenings, entertainment, and cultural showcases in June 2026. Further programming details are scheduled for release closer to the event.
This wide-reaching initiative reflects Los Angeles’ broader trajectory as a stage for world-class spectacles. From marquee basketball weekends and major golf championships to the upcoming Super Bowl and the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games, the city continues to position itself at the intersection of sport, entertainment, and global culture—ready to welcome the world once again.
The state of Delaware is ready for a fun-packed year to come with the state partnering with Philadelphia Soccer 2026 to bring the world-famous FIFA World Cup 2026 event to the First State. As such, the state of Delaware is to hold a series of watch parties to showcase this world’s largest sporting event, at the same time promoting tourism growth, business engagement, and development. This is an opportunity for people to get immersed in the festivities of this world-famous event, as they get to explore the tourism Delaware has to offer.
The enthusiasm and excitement around the event were captured succinctly by Governor Matt Meyer: Delaware is a small state with a big heart, and this summer, we’re going to feel the biggest game on Earth, together. The opportunity offered by the FIFA World Cup is a great chance for Delaware not only to promote tourism in the state but also to help Delaware businesses and grow the economy of the state. This partnership of Delaware and Philadelphia Soccer 2026 positions Delaware as a major participant in the regional tourism industry for a once-in-a-lifetime event.
A Positive Tourism Impact: Global Exposure and Economic Growth for Delaware
The FIFA World Cup 2026 offers Delaware a unique chance to shine on the global stage. As part of the event, Delaware will host four watch parties across the state, with each event serving as a major tourism attraction. With the estimated regional economic impact of hosting the World Cup in Philadelphia at $770 million, Delaware is set to benefit from the global influx of tourists traveling to the region for the matches. The World Cup Final celebration at University of Delaware Stadium will serve as the crown jewel of this initiative, drawing even more visitors to Delaware.
These tourism-driven events are expected to boost local economies by creating an estimated increase in hotel bookings, restaurant revenues, and retail activity in Delaware. By showcasing its own array of tourist attractions, historic sites, local culture, and family-friendly destinations, Delaware is well-positioned to attract a diverse range of international visitors who will stay, dine, shop, and explore beyond just the World Cup events.
Watch Parties in Every County: A Catalyst for Regional Tourism
Delaware’s statewide World Cup watch parties will be a catalyst for regional tourism in each of the state’s three counties. The watch parties will take place in Newark, Milton, Harrington, and Newark again for the World Cup Final, with each event featuring pre-match entertainment, local vendors, and interactive games for the whole family. These community-centered events will serve as tourism hubs, drawing visitors from neighboring states, particularly Pennsylvania, Maryland, and New Jersey, as well as international tourists traveling to the area for the World Cup.
By hosting these events, Delaware not only engages the local community but also increases awareness of its tourist offerings. For visitors attending the watch parties, the opportunity to explore Delaware’s vibrant attractions—such as the beaches of Rehoboth, the historic landmarks in Dover, and family-friendly activities across the state—becomes an added incentive to stay longer and explore more.
Leveraging the FIFA World Cup to Attract Year-Round Tourism
Delaware’s strategy to leverage FIFA World Cup 2026 as a driver for year-round tourism is a key part of its overall tourism development plan. By offering engaging events such as watch parties, Delaware has the opportunity to promote itself as a year-round destination. The state can showcase its historic charm, coastal beauty, and outdoor experiences, making it an appealing place to visit not just during major events, but throughout the year.
As tourism infrastructure continues to grow, Delaware will likely see increased international visitor interest, particularly in off-peak seasons when tourists might otherwise focus on major cities. With this global exposure, Delaware is positioning itself to expand its tourism appeal well beyond the World Cup, tapping into adventure tourism, culinary tourism, and cultural tourism opportunities.
Additionally, the FIFA World Cup 2026 provides an opportunity for Delaware to strengthen its relationships with international tourism markets. Partnerships with global organizations, including hotels, restaurants, and tour operators, will help elevate the state’s profile as a destination of choice for future tourists.
Community Impact and Local Business Engagement
As Delaware prepares for the World Cup festivities, the state is actively working with local businesses to maximize the tourism impact. The DTO is collaborating with hotels, restaurants, retailers, and event spaces to ensure that businesses are equipped to handle the influx of tourists during the World Cup events. This collaboration is critical in ensuring that the tourism sector benefits directly from the World Cup excitement while also boosting local business revenue.
By hosting a large-scale international event like the World Cup, Delaware is also enhancing its reputation as a friendly, welcoming destination for tourists from around the world. The event brings exposure to Delaware’s hospitality sector, with restaurants and local vendors benefiting from the increased foot traffic generated by watch parties. Moreover, the positive tourism impact will extend well beyond the World Cup as international visitors will likely return to Delaware for future vacations or business trips.
Partnerships and Sponsorships: Elevating Delaware’s Global Tourism Presence
To further engage with the global audience, the Delaware Tourism Office (DTO) is offering sponsorship opportunities for businesses and corporations that want to capitalize on the tourism potential of the World Cup. With its exclusive partnerships, Delaware businesses have a chance to promote their services and products to a wider market, reaching global visitors who are eager to experience all that Delaware has to offer.
In addition, DTO is hosting a pep rally in May at the DE Turf in Frederica, allowing residents and tourists alike to get excited for the upcoming World Cup events. The pep rally will further raise tourism awareness and encourage community involvement, making it a perfect lead-up to the official World Cup watch parties.
Lasting Tourism Impact and Economic Growth from the FIFA World Cup
The entry of Delaware into FIFA World Cup 2026 will prove to be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for Delaware to ensure tourism growth in the region, support businesses throughout the region, and create a long-lasting change for the economy. The entry of Delaware into the important event will definitely ensure a place for the state as a year-round vacation destination, while giving residents and tourists a lifetime of experiences with the upcoming World Cup Watch Parties. Delaware will ensure the tourism industry continues to grow and the positive impact of world tourism will be felt throughout the years.
The U.S. hotel industry, despite facing numerous economic hurdles and geopolitical uncertainties, is expected to experience a slight recovery in 2026. The forecast predicts a 0.6% growth in Revenue per Available Room (RevPAR), a welcome improvement after a tumultuous 2025, which marked the first non-recessionary drop in RevPAR in history. While the sector continues to grapple with issues such as economic uncertainty, geopolitical instability, and domestic tensions, there are also signs that the worst is behind them, with some market segments beginning to show signs of improvement.
The hotel industry’s performance is significantly tied to broader economic conditions. Despite the challenges, there is hopeful optimism that the recovery will gain momentum, particularly driven by the FIFA World Cup, which is anticipated to provide a boost to demand in specific U.S. markets.
Mixed Trends in Hotel Segments as Demand Shifts
While overall demand in the U.S. hotel market saw a 0.5% decline in 2025, recovery is on the horizon, with a forecasted +0.4% rebound for 2026. This growth is expected to vary by market segment. Hotels in the mid-tier and luxury segments are expected to see some relief, while select-service and economy hotels continue to face pressure. Average Daily Rates (ADR) are projected to grow by 1%, a modest uptick from the previous forecast of 0.9%.
The main contributors to demand decline in 2025 were Hurricane Milton and Hurricane Helene, which displaced large numbers of bookings in several U.S. regions. As those storm-related disruptions subside, demand growth is expected to gain strength in the second half of 2026.
Factors Behind the Stabilization of RevPAR in 2026
Despite the challenging backdrop, the hotel sector is expected to stabilize in 2026 for several reasons. One key factor is the calendar composition in 2026, which is more favorable than in 2025. This better calendar placement will help increase demand during holidays and peak travel periods. Additionally, the FIFA World Cup, scheduled for the summer of 2026, will undoubtedly boost hotel performance, particularly in host cities, as soccer fans flood the U.S. for the tournament.
The World Cup’s impact is projected to be felt across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, where RevPAR could see a 0.4% lift, with certain cities benefitting more based on their proximity to the matches. France, Brazil, and Argentina are expected to be key demand drivers, drawing a substantial number of international visitors.
Outlook for Group Business and the Role of Event Tourism
The group business segment had a challenging 2025, with a 1.8% drop in demand. However, this was somewhat mitigated by a 4% rise in ADR, indicating that although there were fewer bookings, those who did book paid higher rates. Group demand is expected to stabilize in 2026, with solid rates and more short-term bookings, particularly in the latter half of the year.
As the U.S. sees more conferences, business events, and corporate travel returning in 2026, expect a more robust performance in hotels catering to this segment. While event-related tourism remains key to hotel performance in major cities, its fluctuations will need to be carefully managed.
Reduced Supply Growth and Its Impact on U.S. Hotels
Hotel supply is anticipated to grow at a slower rate in 2026, with an expected increase of 0.7%, a downward revision from the previous 0.9%. The construction pipeline remains strong, with nearly 767,000 new rooms in the pipeline, though a significant portion of these are still in the planning and early construction phases. With only 19% of these rooms under construction, supply growth will remain constrained in the short term, making it easier for hoteliers to maintain rates.
Notably, the conversion rate of existing hotels has surged, with nearly 1,900 hotels undergoing conversions in 2025, the highest since 2016. This indicates that hotel owners are finding it more viable to convert existing structures than to build new ones, a trend likely to continue in the face of rising construction costs and financing challenges.
Boost in International Demand and the Role of the FIFA World Cup
International travel to the U.S. is expected to rebound in 2026, with a 3.7% growth in inbound tourism, although levels will still be below those seen in 2019. The World Cup is predicted to play a significant role in this growth, contributing approximately 1.1% to the RevPAR increase, particularly in cities where matches are being held.
Outbound travel from the U.S. will also continue to rise, with 4.6% growth projected in 2026, following a 4.7% rise in 2025. These global travel trends indicate that U.S. hotels will not only benefit from international visitors but will also see increasing demand for international business and leisure travel from American travelers heading abroad.
Long-Term U.S. Hotel Industry Outlook: Subdued Growth Ahead
Looking beyond 2026, the U.S. hotel industry’s long-term prospects are expected to remain somewhat muted. The 2027 and 2028 projections reflect modest growth in RevPAR, at 1.4% and 2.0%, respectively. ADR will continue to be the primary growth driver, although it is expected to remain below the pace of inflation. These subdued forecasts indicate that the recovery in the hotel industry will be gradual, with demand likely to fluctuate based on broader global economic and political conditions.
Travel Tips for 2026: Booking Hotels and Navigating Key Events
Book Early for World Cup Dates: Travelers planning to visit U.S. host cities during the FIFA World Cup should consider booking accommodations early. The surge in demand during match dates will likely lead to price increases and limited availability.
Plan for Business Events: As business and corporate travel are forecasted to rise, hotels near convention centers and business districts will be in high demand. If you’re planning a visit during a major conference or event, early bookings are recommended.
Keep an Eye on ADR Trends: Hotel prices will likely remain high in some regions, especially in premium segments. Travelers should watch for promotions and deals in the off-peak months.
Flexibility is Key: Given the volatile nature of the market, be prepared for changes in availability and pricing. Booking flexible rates may help mitigate last-minute travel disruptions.
Login
