Mexico City, Mexico City – Hotel prices in Mexico City have surged by an astonishing average of 961% for dates coinciding with the 2026 FIFA World Cup, making it the city with the most significant increase among all host locations. This revelation comes from a report by the American media outlet ‘The Athletic’, a subsidiary of The New York Times, which highlights that Mexican host cities are experiencing the most dramatic cost escalations.
Unprecedented Price Hikes Across Mexico City
The analysis by ‘The Athletic’ revealed that a single night at Le Meridien Mexico City Reforma, previously priced at $157, jumped to $3,882 after the World Cup group draw, representing a staggering 2,373% increase. Similarly, the Hampton Inn & Suites Mexico City in the Historic Center saw its rates climb from $106 to $781, a 637% rise. Even more budget-friendly options were not spared, with the City Express Junior in the industrial zone of Toluca experiencing a 931% increase, from $64 to $660 per night.
Methodology of the Price Analysis
‘The Athletic’ conducted its research by comparing room prices at six randomly selected hotels in each host city, utilizing the Marriott Bonvoy and Hilton Honors applications. The data was collected on Monday, December 8th, focusing on the most economical rates available. Baseline prices were established using rates from three weeks prior to the analysis. For Mexico City, six months ahead of the World Cup, most accommodations were already listed as sold out, which likely contributed to the extreme price hikes for the remaining available options.
Mexican Cities Lead Global Price Surge
Beyond Mexico City, other Mexican host cities are also at the forefront of hotel price inflation. Monterrey ranks second globally with an average increase of 466%, while Guadalajara comes in fourth, with prices for accommodations near Estadio Akron rising by 405%. These figures underscore a broader trend of significant cost escalation across all Mexican venues.
Global Comparison of Hotel Price Increases
The report also examined other host cities across North America. In the United States, price increases ranged from 174% in Dallas to 457% in Houston. Other notable surges include 364% in Kansas City, 344% in Atlanta, and 342% in San Francisco. Canadian cities, while also experiencing increases, saw less drastic changes, with Vancouver registering a 233% rise and Toronto a 78% increase.
FIFA’s Stance on Mitigating Costs
While price increases are customary for major global events, the magnitude of the 2026 World Cup surges significantly surpasses those seen in recent competitions. For instance, the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, France, saw a 141% increase in hotel prices. When questioned by ‘The Athletic’, the International Federation of Association Football (FIFA) did not specify whether it would implement measures to mitigate these rising accommodation costs or offer discount codes to ensure affordable options for ticket holders.
The unprecedented escalation in hotel prices poses a significant challenge for fans planning to attend the 2026 World Cup matches in Mexico City and other host cities. The lack of intervention from FIFA further exacerbates concerns regarding accessibility and affordability for a wide range of spectators.
Source: elpais.com
