The FIFA World Cup is experiencing lower-than-anticipated demand from international visitors, with fans citing concerns over ticket prices and U.S. immigration policies as reasons for staying away.

Fans in the United States and internationally have organized boycotts of the tournament, expressing dissatisfaction with the cost of attendance and current immigration requirements for entering the host country. These protests have raised concerns throughout the travel and hospitality industry about reduced visitor numbers.

The impact is being felt particularly by individual property owners who invested significant time and money preparing their homes for tournament visitors. Some Airbnb hosts spent years and thousands of dollars renovating their properties in anticipation of hosting World Cup guests.

One host expressed disappointment with the lower demand, stating they no longer expect the substantial financial returns they had originally projected from the tournament. The preparation efforts included property improvements and renovations specifically designed to attract international visitors during the event.

The tourism shortfall represents a significant shift from typical World Cup patterns, where host locations generally experience substantial increases in international visitors and associated economic benefits. Industry observers are monitoring whether the reduced demand will affect other sectors beyond accommodation providers.