The excitement for the 2026 international soccer tournament is building — but so is the anxiety around one burning question: where is everyone going to stay? With more than 5 million fans expected across North America, lodging demand is about to break records. Hotel prices? They’re already climbing like a striker on a hot streak.
If the idea of paying Super Bowl prices for a standard hotel room makes you wince, you’re not alone. But here’s the good news: you don’t have to. There’s a smarter, more affordable play that doubles as your lodging, transport, and kitchen. Say hello to your secret weapon — an RV.
The Data Is In: Hotels Will Be Expensive
This isn’t speculation — it’s history repeating itself. A recent analysis of hotel rates for the 2026 tournament shows staggering jumps across host cities:
- Houston: Rates expected to surge by as much as 544% on match days.
- Vancouver: Cheapest available rooms nearing $900/night (+250%).
- New York/New Jersey (Finals): Rates projected at 50% higher than usual, with further increases expected once the final schedule locks in. (Source: Cheaphotels.org)
In other words, the biggest threat to your travel budget won’t be tickets or food — it’ll be your bed.
The RV Solution: Your All-in-One Accommodation
An RV isn’t just a vehicle. It’s your rolling hotel room, kitchen, and ride between cities. And the savings? They speak for themselves.
A study by the RV Industry Association found that RV trips can be up to 60% cheaper than traditional vacations with hotels and flights. Let’s break it down with a 7-day trip for a family of four:
| Expense Category | Hotel Stay (Mid-Range) | RV Rental (Class C) | Savings |
| Accommodation | $200/night × 7 = $1,400 | $65/night campground × 7 = $455 | Save $900+ |
| Food | $180/day × 7 = $1,260 | $210 groceries for the week | Save $1,000+ |
| Rental Car | $75/day × 7 = $525 | Included with RV | Save $525 |
| Total | ~$3,185 | ~$2,500 (RV rental + fuel) | Hundreds to Thousands Saved |
Cost estimates: Go RV Rentals & Top Nutrition Coaching
That’s not just saving pocket change — that’s money back for match tickets, fan gear, or a celebratory dinner in the host city.
More Than a Bed: The Hidden Value of an RV
The financial wins are just the start:
- Slash Your Food Budget: Restaurant meals cost nearly 285% more than home-cooked ones. With your own kitchen, you can fuel up with coffee, pre-game meals, and post-match snacks without blowing the budget.
- Eliminate Extra Fees: Goodbye hotel parking charges, resort fees, and rental car costs. Your RV covers the whole stack.
- Flexibility Is Priceless: If your team advances unexpectedly, you don’t eat a cancellation fee. You just drive to the next city. No scrambling for last-minute flights or gouged hotel rooms.
Your Game Plan for Cheap Soccer Accommodation
- Book Your RV Early
Just like hotels, RVs will sell out. Aim to lock in your rental 6–9 months out for the best price and selection. - Reserve Campgrounds Now
Apps like The Dyrt and booking tools for state/national parks will help you find affordable spots. Public campgrounds are often cheaper than private ones — and way more scenic. - Travel with a Group
Split costs with friends or family, and you’ll stretch your savings even further.
The Final Whistle
Don’t let hotel prices bench your 2026 soccer adventure. An RV is your budget-friendly, flexible, and way-more-fun alternative. It’s your mobile hotel, your fan zone, and your ticket to beating the lodging price surge.
Book early, plan smart, and you’ll spend less time stressing over hotel rates — and more time celebrating goals, road trip memories, and the trip of a lifetime.
