FIFA has unlocked hotel room reservations in Guadalajara for the 2026 World Cup, as confirmed by Antonio Cosío, president of the National Business Tourism Council (CNET). This occurred to a lesser extent than in Mexico City, where 40 percent of the planned reservations were released. The federal government clarifies that these are not cancellations but liberations of unsold premium packages.
The National Business Tourism Council (CNET) confirmed that the International Federation of Association Football (FIFA) unlocked hotel reservations in Guadalajara for the 2026 World Cup, following a similar dynamic to that seen in Mexico City, though to a lesser extent. Antonio Cosío, CNET president, explained in a virtual conference that the rooms were released by FIFA and not by individual buyers. The exact percentage in Guadalajara was not disclosed, but in Mexico City it reached 40 percent of the planned reservations.
FIFA operated as a travel agency to market premium packages but failed to sell all as expected. Hotel industry sources indicated that the rooms were released for individual commercialization amid slower-than-expected demand. Two main factors explain this: the limited appeal of the teams playing in Mexican venues and the violence recorded in the country, which already concerned travelers and FIFA itself.
The federal government, facing reports of 'cancellations,' instructed hotel associations to use the term 'unlock.' Gabriela Cuevas, Mexico's representative for the 2026 World Cup organization, stated that FIFA did not cancel reservations but liberated blocks reserved years in advance because some groups did not confirm participation. She assured that this measure does not jeopardize projected tourism, as there is significant interest in visiting the country.
Additionally, the hotel industry blocked part of the inventory to reduce supply and raise rates during matches, a common practice in major events. Cosío aligned with the government's version regarding the unsold premium packages.
