Millions of international soccer fans preparing to attend the 2026 World Cup in the United States are largely unaware of American tipping practices, prompting restaurants to consider implementing mandatory gratuities.

Rising Costs for the 2026 World Cup

The FIFA World Cup 2026, hosted jointly by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, is projected to be one of the most expensive sporting events in history. Costs for tickets, travel, and accommodation are already significantly elevated.

Tipping Culture Clash

Many international fans are unfamiliar with the US tipping system, where tips often constitute a significant portion of service staff income. This has led to concerns that staff may receive inadequate tips during the tournament.

To address this, a growing number of restaurants are implementing automatic gratuities, typically ranging from 18 to 22 percent. The Missouri Restaurant Association, for example, has advised venues in Kansas City – expecting 650,000 visitors – to adopt this practice throughout the 40-day tournament.

This move aims to reconcile the differences between US tipping culture and the norms in many other countries where service charges are included in bills and additional tipping is less common.

Debate Over Mandatory Gratuities

The implementation of mandatory tipping has sparked online debate, with some critics labeling it as “American greed” and price gouging. Concerns have been raised that restaurants are exploiting the influx of tourists and may retain the policy even after the tournament ends.

Some suggest the US should move towards higher wages for service staff, aligning with practices in other developed nations. Restaurant owners maintain that automatic gratuities are a practical solution to ensure fair compensation for employees, provided the policy is clearly communicated to customers.

The New Jersey Restaurant and Hospitality Association is focusing on educating businesses about cultural differences to improve interactions with international visitors.

Escalating Expenses Beyond Tipping

Beyond the tipping debate, the overall cost of attending the World Cup is rapidly increasing. Hotel prices in host cities have risen by over 300 percent since the match locations were announced.

Parking at official FIFA lots, such as those in Los Angeles, can now exceed the cost of game tickets. Rising jet fuel costs have more than doubled international airfares, further increasing the financial burden on fans.

Estimates suggest that following a team throughout the entire tournament could cost upwards of $34,000, including flights, accommodation, tickets, and other expenses. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has urged FIFA to prioritize affordability to ensure the World Cup remains accessible to genuine supporters.