U.S. Hospitality Jobs Fall Despite Expectations of World Cup Hiring Boost

Employment in the US leisure and hospitality sector unexpectedly declined in June despite expectations that the 2026 FIFA World Cup would boost hiring, Archie Mitchell reported for BBC News.

Employment in US restaurants, bars and hotels declined in June despite expectations of increased World Cup-related hiring. (Photo: FIFA World Cup Facebook)

Economists had expected the tournament, co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico, to generate additional jobs in restaurants, bars and hotels.

Instead, the US Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that employment in the leisure and hospitality sector fell by 61,000 jobs during the month.

Overall US employment increased by 57,000 jobs, below economists' expectations, while the unemployment rate edged down to 4.2 percent.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics had previously reported stronger hiring in May as bars and restaurants prepared for the tournament.

Analysts at Goldman Sachs had forecast that June employment would receive a boost of approximately 40,000 jobs because of the World Cup. Instead, ING Chief US Economist James Knightley described leisure and hospitality as "a real area of weakness."

He said the decline was "a major surprise given the World Cup is on and bars and venues are busy."