Global sporting events like the FIFA World Cup are often pitched to host cities as economic jackpots, promising an influx of tourists, packed hotels, new jobs and billions in spending. But as the games approach, skyrocketing ticket prices, weaker-than-expected hotel bookings and broader economic uncertainty are raising questions about whether the event will deliver the windfall many cities anticipated.

For international travellers, US President Donald Trump's immigration agenda has become a deterrent. In April, groups including the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) issued warnings for foreign visitors headed to the US to watch the World Cup, stating that "the Trump regime's rising authoritarianism and increasing violence pose serious risk to all." Fans are also facing confusion about visas, with reported delays in processing that may prevent travellers from arriving in time.

Domestic travellers are also feeling squeezed. Economic pressures, driven by a stagnant job market and higher prices of essentials such as petrol, are weighing on discretionary spending. Gas prices now stand at $4.16 per gallon, according to the American Automobile Association. Together, these pressures are dampening demand for travel linked to the FIFA World Cup, threatening to undercut the economic boom that organisers and host cities once expected.

With just a few days before kick-off, 80 percent of hotel bookings are below expectations, with as many as 70 percent of respondents citing visa barriers and geopolitical turmoil as a major reason for weaker travel demand, according to the American Hotel and Lodging Association. In New York City, which will host the final, bookings are at roughly 65 percent of what respondents expected. Across the border in Canada, bookings in Vancouver have also fallen short.

Still, some city officials and business leaders are not overly concerned. New York City officials told Al Jazeera they expect bookings to return to near-normal summer levels by the time the tournament begins. Airbnb CEO Brian Chesky struck an optimistic tone, saying Airbnb expects more bookings for the tournament than for any event in the company's history. However, listings near stadiums remain high: in Dallas, two-night stays start at nearly $700, while near MetLife Stadium for the final, Airbnbs are listed for more than $5,600.

Air travel is showing increased demand despite rising fuel prices. Bookings to Houston and Dallas surged 38 percent and 42 percent respectively compared with last year, according to market analytics firm Sojern. Domestic travellers account for nearly 70 percent of all flight bookings, while international travellers trail far behind. This will hurt spending because domestic tourists typically spend less than their international counterparts.

Ticket prices remain a major issue. Average prices for nosebleed-section tickets to early games in Dallas are well over $800, and tickets for the final are listed at $9,200 to $43,553 on Ticketmaster. FIFA President Gianni Infantino defended the dynamic pricing strategy, stating "we have to apply market rates." However, late last month, Attorneys General in both New York and New Jersey announced inquiries into FIFA ticket prices, with New York AG Letitia James saying "no one should be manipulated into paying sky-high prices for seats."

To sway locals, New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani announced a lottery offering 50-dollar tickets to 1,000 New Yorkers, and a watch party in Central Park for 50,000 people for the final. In Atlanta, nonprofit Play Fair ATL organized "The People's Cup" to engage those priced out. Other cities like Houston and Kansas City are using the tournament to fund infrastructure projects, though Kansas City's plans have sparked controversy over a proposed jail expansion that critics say targets the homeless.

Source: www.aljazeera.com