Dutch bookings to U.S. lag despite 2026 World Cup in U.S., Canada, Mexico
Bookings for trips to the United States from the Netherlands are lagging, even as the U.S., Canada, and Mexico prepare to host the 2026 FIFA World Cup, according to the Dutch travel association ANVR.
A spokesperson for ANVR told Het Financieele Dagblad (FD) that it is unclear exactly how large the shortfall is.
“There was also a lot of negative news about the U.S., which always slows down bookings,” the ANVR spokesperson said. They noted that some soccer fans may book flights and accommodations independently rather than through travel agencies, and that many Dutch travelers are still unsure whether they will secure tickets for the matches. They added, however, that bookings are expected to pick up closer to the tournament.
The ANVR reported a 10 percent decrease in U.S. vacation bookings in December compared to December 2024. Previously, ANVR had reported a rebound in U.S. travel bookings, partly due to favorable euro-to-dollar exchange rates.
In addition, Dutch travelers are booking trips to North America closer to departure, indicating that early bookings for summer 2026 are significantly behind schedule.
The Royal Dutch Football Association (KNVB) plans to release details later this month on the level of interest in the Netherlands for attending the World Cup.
KLM, part of Air France-KLM, declined to comment on ticket sales to the U.S. ahead of its annual results announcement on February 19.
