Sporting events drive travel. From short car trips across states to long overseas flights, people will do just about anything to see their favorite team play in a big match. The 2026 World Cup is a perfect example of that. Cities like San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Seattle have seen massive waves of tourism due to the matches being held at SoFi Stadium, Levi Stadium, and Lumen Field.
Hostels, being an affordable option for travelers, have become an attractive lodging option for those coming in to watch a World Cup match, especially given that ticket prices for the games average around $400 and can reach into the thousands. Some premium seats are said to have exceeded $20,000. Hotels have also driven up their prices to accommodate the boom, driving more travelers to stay in hostels and find private accommodations. According to The Athletic, hotel prices have risen by almost 50% on game days.
Even if a city isn't a host city, the influence of the sport can be seen. For example, in cities like Los Angeles and Santa Barbara, the scene has been wild, with people parading throughout the streets after every USA and Mexico victory. From the impromptu street parties and bar specials to the parades of cars and honking of horns, people are showing how sports bring people together and drive the desire to travel.
