FIFA World Cup 2026: How Hotels Across the U.S. Can Win—Even If They’re Far From the Stadiums
- Florida Custom Merch
- Feb 2
- 4 min read
The FIFA World Cup is coming to North America in 2026, and for the first time ever, the tournament will span three countries: the United States, Mexico, and Canada. With matches hosted across multiple U.S. cities, including Atlanta, Boston (Foxborough), Dallas, Houston, Kansas City, Los Angeles, Miami, New York/New Jersey, Philadelphia, the San Francisco Bay Area, and Seattle—along with cities in Mexico and Canada—this will be the largest World Cup in history.
For hotels located in host cities, the opportunity seems obvious: packed rooms, premium rates, and global exposure. But what about hotels that aren’t right next to the action? What about destinations like Daytona Beach, Florida—several hours from the nearest stadium?
The reality is this: the 2026 World Cup is not just a stadium event—it’s a travel event. And that means hotels across the U.S. can benefit, if they prepare strategically.
Let’s break down how.
The World Cup Is a Multi-City, Multi-Week Travel Engine
Unlike the Super Bowl or a single-city championship event, the World Cup unfolds over more than a month, with fans following teams from city to city—or choosing a base location and traveling selectively.
Many international visitors won’t stay in just one city. They’ll explore the U.S. before, between, or after matches. Coastal destinations, leisure markets, and secondary cities often become overflow hubs or recovery destinations where travelers relax between games.
This means hotels far from stadiums can still attract:
International fans extending their trips
Families avoiding high host-city prices
Fans following teams across regions
Corporate groups, sponsors, and media teams
Tour groups building multi-stop itineraries
A hotel doesn’t need to be walkable to a stadium to be part of the World Cup economy—it just needs to be relevant.
Why Non-Host City Hotels Have a Hidden Advantage
Hotels in non-host markets often have:
Lower average nightly rates
More availability
Leisure-friendly amenities
Less congestion and stress
For travelers spending thousands on flights and tickets, these destinations offer balance. A beach town, resort market, or relaxed regional hub can become the “off-match” stay that completes the trip.
Hotels that recognize this can position themselves as:
A World Cup recovery stay
A fan-friendly base camp
A pre- or post-match destination
A value-smart alternative for longer stays
But positioning alone isn’t enough. Execution matters.
Creating a World Cup Experience Inside the Hotel
Even if a hotel is hundreds of miles from the nearest stadium, guests still want to feel the World Cup.
This is where smart preparation makes a difference.
1. On-Property Watch Parties & Viewing Zones
Hotels can transform lounges, breakfast areas, pool decks, or conference rooms into:
Match viewing lounges
Fan zones with international flavor
Morning or late-night watch areas for overseas matches
Simple additions like themed signage, schedules, and communal seating can turn a regular stay into a shared experience.
2. Country-Neutral, Fan-Friendly Atmosphere
Hotels should stay neutral but celebratory:
World Cup countdowns
Flags or subtle international décor
Multilingual welcome signage
The goal is inclusion—not allegiance.
The Role of Custom-Branded Merchandise in Guest Experience
This is where hotels can truly stand out.
Custom-branded merchandise isn’t just a giveaway—it’s a memory trigger. During a global event like the World Cup, that matters.
Why Branded Merch Works During the World Cup
Guests are emotionally engaged
International travel amplifies souvenir value
Items get taken home—and reused
The hotel brand travels with the guest
When done right, merch becomes part of the experience, not an afterthought.
Smart World Cup-Themed Merch Ideas for Hotels
Hotels don’t need to brand jerseys or infringe on FIFA trademarks. There are plenty of safe, creative options:
Guest Appreciation Items
Branded soccer-style scarves (hotel colors)
Reusable cups or tumblers for watch parties
Breakfast coffee cups with World Cup-themed messaging
Welcome tote bags for longer stays
In-Room or Check-In Touchpoints
Branded door hangers with match schedules
Key card sleeves with World Cup dates and local tips
Small flags or stickers for kids and families
Pool, Beach, and Leisure Markets
For destinations like Daytona Beach:
Branded beach towels
Cooling towels
Sunglasses
Drawstring bags
These items align naturally with the destination while still tying into the global moment.
Merch as a Marketing Tool—Not Just a Giveaway
Custom-branded items can also support:
Social media sharing (“Tag us during the match!”)
Loyalty programs (“Stay during the World Cup, take this home”)
Repeat visits (“We were there for the World Cup”)
Hotels that think beyond the stay—and into the guest’s post-trip life—win long term.
Preparing Now Matters More Than Ever
The hotels that benefit most from the 2026 World Cup won’t be the ones that react at the last minute. They’ll be the ones that:
Plan themed experiences early
Align merch with brand and destination
Order branded items ahead of peak demand
Train staff to engage guests around the event
Supply chains tighten during global events. Prices fluctuate. Inventory disappears. Early planning protects margins and ensures quality.
Final Thought: The World Cup Is Bigger Than the Stadiums
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will bring millions of travelers, billions in spending, and unprecedented global attention to North America.
For hotels, the question isn’t “Are we close enough to benefit?” It’s “How intentionally are we preparing to be part of it?”
Whether a hotel is steps from a stadium or hours away, there’s room to participate—through experience, hospitality, and thoughtful guest appreciation.
And sometimes, the hotels farthest from the noise are the ones guests remember most.
With so many options available, choosing the right branded promotional item can be overwhelming. Since 2016, we, at Florida Custom Merch, have helped numerous businesses achieve success through the use of custom branded promotional merchandise. Hiring an expert can help you select the perfect item, save time and money, and, most importantly, maximize your results.
Thank you for reading! We hope you found this article helpful!
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