Will car rental prices increase during the FIFA World Cup 2026? What travellers should know

The FIFA World Cup 2026 is all set to be one of the biggest sports events in history because for the first time ever, the tournament is being hosted across three countries, the United States, Canada & Mexico.

Fans from all over the world are expected to travel between matches and turn their trip into a full vacation by exploring different best host cities.

If you too are planning to attend, there’s one important question that we need to address: will car rental prices go up during the World Cup? Yes, in many places it will impact greatly but the good part is that you can avoid overpaying if you plan wisely.

Let’s know exactly why prices rise, how much you might pay, when rates spike the most & how to save money.

Why car rental prices increase during major events

It is a universal rule that when demand rises & supply is limited, prices eventually go up. This is also applicable to the car rental market. Considering such a big event, there are so many things happening all at once:

Massive travel demand

Millions of visitors will arrive in host cities within a short time frame. Many will prefer personal vehicles to travel between stadiums, explore tourist attractions in nearby cities and to avoid crowded public transport. Rental companies only have a limited stock. So once demand exceeds supply, rates spike up.

Summer is already peak season

The tournament starts from 11th June to 19th July, which is already one of the busiest travel months in North America.

Even without the World Cup, families take summer vacations, booking for road trips increase and there is a noticeable increase in domestic tourism.

Now, just add a global sporting event on top of these points, the availability narrows down even more.

Companies follow dynamic pricing

Rental car companies now follow a dynamic pricing system as seen in the aviation industry. Which means prices change on a daily basis & sometimes even hourly. The closer you book to travel dates, the higher it gets. You can see the same car on different days at totally different prices.

How much more could you pay?

The exact prices will vary by your destination and booking timing. Just to give you an idea, our team analysed previous reports of large-scale events and found out:

• For early bookings, you get normal rates
• For reservations made 1 to 2 months before the event, you will see a moderate increase in price
• If you book last minute, there is a sharp spike in rates
• You’ll have to pay the highest prices for bookings made on match weekends or finals

Moreover, in popular host cities, daily rental costs can sometimes triple as compared to regular periods. For instance, a car that normally costs $50 to $55 per day could jump to $100+ during such peak demand days.

Which cities will likely be the most expensive?

Not all host cities will see the same price increases. You can expect higher rates in major tourist cities like Los Angeles, New York, Mexico City, Miami & Toronto among others.

The prices can also be high in places with limited public transit or cities that are hosting multiple matches. Semifinal or final locations are always high in demand, making the price increase.

Smaller cities may still remain slightly more affordable. We recommend noting all these factors before selecting the city you want to explore, along with attending the tournament.

When do prices spike the most?

Timing is the key to making rental car reservations during the FIFA World Cup. It matters more than you can even imagine.

You will see the biggest price increases during the opening match week, weekends, knockout rounds, semifinals and finals and national team match days where millions of fans gather to support their team.

Smart ways to save on car rentals during the FIFA World Cup 2026

Here’s how to act smartly & save money on your World Cup car rental:

• Reserve your car as soon as your travel dates are confirmed as prices rarely get cheaper closer to big event dates.
• Choose companies that offer free cancellation. Thereby, you can book early, keep checking the rates later and rebook if you see a lower price for your selected vehicle.
• Before selecting a pickup location, compare prices for spots like airports, downtowns, railway stations, ports, neighbourhood areas, etc. Sometimes moving just a few miles away can save a lot.
• Budget travellers can select fuel-efficient vehicles or rent just for specific days.
• If it is possible, try to avoid the match day pickups as demand is highest on such days. Scheduling your pickup one day earlier or later is most appropriate.
• You can also consider renting just for road trips between cities and using public transport inside the city to reach the stadium.

Some common queries

• What type of car should I rent to save money during the FIFA World Cup?

  If you are travelling alone or in a group of 3 to 4 people, you can book an economy or compact vehicle to save money. They are the most affordable & fuel-efficient alternatives.

• Is it cheaper to rent a car at the airport or in the city during the FIFA World Cup?

  Airport rental is most convenient but always high in demand, making it expensive during the World Cup. Downtown or neighbourhood locations can be slightly affordable but it is better to compare prices for all such locations before making a reservation.

• How early should I book a rental car for the World Cup?

  We recommend booking at least 5 to 6 months in advance to get the best prices and a wide fleet to choose from.

• Do I really need a car to attend World Cup matches?

  If you are staying near the stadium or city centre, you can take public transport or just walk to attend matches. However, you need a vehicle for day trips or to travel between different host cities.