Key facts
- Hotels near MetLife Stadium are charging significantly higher rates for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
- The World of Blue hotel is charging $450 for parking and $2,300 for a room on the night of the final.
- Occupancy rates at World of Blue ranged from 8% to 30% for group stage games, with only 4% booked for the final.
- A Super 8 motel room costs around $500 on the night of the final match, and Extended Stay America rooms were over $900.
- New York City hotel bookings for the final are down compared to the previous year.
Days before the 2026 FIFA World Cup kicks off, hotels near MetLife Stadium in New Jersey are charging significantly inflated prices for lodging and parking, yet demand appears to be lagging.
The World of Blue hotel, which underwent a $100 million renovation, is charging $450 for parking and approximately $2,300 for a room on the night of the tournament final. However, occupancy rates for group stage games have been low, ranging from 8% to 30%, with only 4% of rooms booked for the final as of Monday.
Similar price hikes are seen at budget-friendly chains, with a Super 8 motel room costing around $500 and an Extended Stay America room over $900 for the final match night. While higher-end hotels have maintained elevated rates, some budget hotels have already started dropping prices for earlier matches.
Industry analysts attribute the slow demand to astronomical ticket prices, soaring airfare, and a general lack of affordable lodging options. One potential guest, Chris Andraka, canceled his plans to stay at a Marriott due to a rate increase from $300 to $5,300 per night.
Even in New York City, hotel bookings for the final are down compared to the previous year, with only 28% of rooms booked as of June 1. Experts suggest that demand may increase as stronger teams advance in the tournament, potentially attracting more fans.