How to navigate business travel during the 2026 FIFA World Cup

The 2026 FIFA World Cup will bring global attention—and significant travel disruption—to major U.S. cities from June 12 through July 19, 2026.

For business travelers, this means navigating increased demand, limited inventory, and higher costs across key destinations. Without proper planning, routine trips could quickly become expensive, delayed, or difficult to execute.

Here’s how to stay ahead.

Where business travel will be most impacted

The World Cup will take place across major U.S. business hubs, with travel disruption expected to extend beyond match days due to increased demand before and after events.

U.S. host cities and peak impact windows:

• Los Angeles: June 12 – July 1

• San Francisco Bay Area: June 13 – June 30

• Seattle: June 14 – June 27

• Dallas: June 14 – July 3

• Houston: June 14 – June 29

• Kansas City: June 15 – July 4

• Atlanta: June 15 – July 2

• Miami: June 15 – July 3

• Boston: June 16 – July 9

• New York / New Jersey: June 13 – July 19 (Final match location)

“Major global events like the World Cup create sustained pressure on travel infrastructure for days at a time,” said Matt Cameron, chief consulting officer at Christopherson.

According to industry research, major global events like the World Cup can drive uneven demand, hotel price spikes, and shifts in air capacity across key markets. That variability makes it more difficult for business travelers to rely on typical booking patterns or pricing expectations.

Tip 1: Avoid host cities when possible

If your travel plans are flexible, the most effective strategy is to avoid high-impact destinations altogether during peak windows.

Consider:

• Moving meetings to non-host cities

• Adjusting travel dates outside peak periods

• Hosting virtual or hybrid meetings

“Even a short trip into a host city can come with significantly higher costs and limited options,” explained Paul Foster, a strategic consultant at Christopherson.

Tip 2: Book early to secure inventory

During the World Cup, availability—not just price—will be a major challenge.

Travelers should:

• Book flights and hotels well in advance

• Prioritize flexible or refundable options

• Monitor high-demand cities for early sellouts

“We expect some markets to reach capacity weeks ahead of key matches,” said Foster. “Early planning is essential.”

Tip 3: Budget for higher travel costs

Travel pricing will increase across all categories. In fact, some forecasts suggest hotel rates in host cities could increase 40–80% above seasonal norms, putting additional strain on travel budgets and approval processes.

Organizations should plan for:

• Hotels will see rate surges and minimum stay requirements

• Airfare will rise due to global demand

• Ground transportation may be limited or delayed

“This isn’t a typical seasonal increase. It’s a global demand event,” noted Cameron. “Cost control starts with awareness.”

Tip 4: Build flexibility into travel plans

Expect delays and congestion across major cities and transportation hubs.

To mitigate risk:

• Allow extra time for airport processing and transfers

• Avoid tight itineraries

• Build in contingency plans for disruptions

“Adding buffer time can significantly reduce stress and prevent missed connections,” Foster advised.

Tip 5: Leverage your travel management company

Navigating a global event of this scale is significantly easier with expert support.

A travel management company (TMC) can help:

• Identify lower-risk routes and destinations

• Provide real-time availability insights

• Support travelers during disruptions

“This is where managed travel programs make a real difference,” said Cameron. “We help clients stay proactive, not reactive.”

Tip 6: Communicate travel guidance internally

Organizations should take a proactive approach by:

• Notifying employees of high-impact destinations and dates

• Providing clear guidance on when to avoid travel

• Encouraging early coordination with the travel team

Clear communication helps reduce last-minute bookings and unnecessary costs.

Plan ahead to stay ahead

The 2026 FIFA World Cup presents a unique challenge for business travel, but with the right strategy, it’s entirely manageable.

By understanding peak impact windows, adjusting travel plans, and working with experienced travel partners, organizations can maintain productivity while avoiding disruption.

As Cameron put it, “Travelers who plan ahead will have options. Those who wait will face constraints.”

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