Australian tourists are suddenly showing renewed interest in travelling to the United States, reversing a concerning decline in visitor numbers. The surge is largely attributed to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which kicks off on June 11 and runs until July 19, co-hosted by the US, Canada, and Mexico.
According to Australian Bureau of Statistics data, outbound travel to the US fell 5.5% for the year to March 2026, making it the only destination in Australians' top 10 most visited countries to see a decline. Meanwhile, overall overseas travel remains strong, with Asian destinations like Japan, Vietnam, and China booming.
World Cup Driving Bookings
News.com.au can reveal that about 65,000 Australians are booked to travel to the US and Canada on Qantas in June and July, a 13% increase compared to the same period last year. Expedia data shows accommodation searches for travel between June 11 and 27 to US host cities have surged dramatically compared to 2025: Dallas up 385%, Seattle up 305%, Atlanta up 295%, Boston up 175%, Houston up 140%, San Francisco up 130%, Miami up 120%, Philadelphia up 75%, Los Angeles up 25%, and New York up 10%.
Expedia’s Australian senior director Darren Karshagen said global sporting events attract high-value travellers who stay longer and spend more, boosting tourism beyond the host cities. “We’re increasingly seeing sports tourism no longer just about flying in for a match and heading straight home. Fans are maximising their trip and making the most of the time and cost involved,” he said. According to an Expedia survey, three in five sports travellers spend part of their trip outside the host city.
Nearby destinations are also benefiting: Nashville searches are up 100%, Austin up 40%, and San Diego up 10%. Qantas bookings for the US in June and July are up 13% on last year.
Booking.com Data Shows Soaring Interest
Booking.com reported that after World Cup tickets went on sale in December, search interest from Australia for host cities soared. Houston climbed 43 places in North America’s ranking, while Boston rose 20 places to third. Globally, Boston skyrocketed 228 places to 21st. Providence, Rhode Island, capitalising on its proximity to Boston Stadium, climbed 383 places to 26th most popular in North America. Mexico City jumped 18 places to 10th, Guadalajara soared 119 places to 16th, and Richmond, near Vancouver, rose 138 places to 30th.
Efforts to Counter Misperceptions
The US travel industry has been fighting to maintain Australian interest amid concerns about entry policies, including proposed changes to the ESTA application that could require five years of social media history. US Travel Association president Geoff Freeman told news.com.au that perception is the problem, insisting “America wants you here.” High-profile incidents like musician Keli Holiday being denied entry have spooked travellers, but the World Cup is providing a boost.
Brand USA launched a ‘Get Facts. Get Going’ initiative at the end of May to provide real-time updates on entry policies and fees. Los Angeles Tourism CEO Adam Burke emphasised that everyone is welcome, highlighting LA’s diversity and a 39-day activity calendar for the World Cup. Increased interest may also be due to travellers avoiding the Middle East and flying via the US to Europe, with stopovers in Los Angeles becoming more popular.
The Socceroos will play their Group D matches in Vancouver, Seattle, and Santa Clara. Official travel figures for June will not be available until August.
