FIFA canceling some hotel reservations in Seattle as World Cup approaches
FIFA is pulling back on how many hotel rooms it needs in Seattle this summer as the 2026 World Cup approaches.
A spokesperson for the international soccer governing body confirmed the reservation reduction Tuesday, adding that FIFA puts a large hold on rooms well in advance of the tournament. It's easier for the organization to scale down than to scale up, a spokesperson said, and as the tournament gets closer, FIFA's needs become clearer.
The rooms are for FIFA staff and operations, not fans, and FIFA has pulled back on its total number of reservations in past World Cups, as well. The spokesperson didn't say how many hotel rooms FIFA is dropping.
Michael Woody, chief engagement officer for the destination marketing group Visit Seattle, said in an email that several hoteliers have reported a reduction in hotel blocks from FIFA but didn't have specific numbers. He added that, as for overall World Cup bookings, fans tend to book more last-minute, which is different than conventions, which book rooms well in advance.
https://www.bizjournals.com/seattle/news/2026/04/01/fifa-world-cup-hotels-visitors-soccer-downtown.html