2026 World Cup in Mexico falls short of hotel expectations despite projection of five million visitors The expectation that Mexico would welcome five million additional visitors during the 2026 FIFA World Cup is facing a less optimistic outlook in the hotel sector, which is reporting occupancy rates below projections. Although the event is already underway and drawing global attention, parts of the tourism industry remain cautious about the pace of international traveler arrivals. According to the Ministry of Tourism, hotel occupancy in the host cities—Mexico City, Guadalajara, and Monterrey—stands between 50% and 60% in the days leading up to the tournament. In Mexico City, where the opening ceremony was held, occupancy is below the 80% recorded during peak seasons such as Holy Week, highlighting a gap between initial projections and actual tourism demand.