Score big during FIFA World Cup 2026: How hotels can maximise revenue with Mobile Ordering

How digital ordering technology can help hotels meet surging demand, expand service areas and increase F&B spend during the world’s biggest sporting event

With the countdown to the FIFA World Cup 2026 well underway, hotels across North America are preparing for one of the largest global sporting events in history. For hoteliers in host cities and surrounding markets, the tournament presents a major opportunity to drive food and beverage revenue while managing unprecedented guest demand.

IRIS, a global leader in digital F&B ordering solutions and guest experience platforms for hospitality, is helping hotels get match-ready with mobile ordering and digital guest directories designed to maximise profit potential while easing operational pressure.

According to recent analysis shared on Hospitality Net, host cities across the USA, Canada and Mexico are forecasting significant demand during the tournament, with Average Daily Rates expected to rise between 20% and 45% in key markets. While the surge in room revenue will be significant, the real opportunity extends beyond accommodation.

Hotels that strategically optimise their services and amenities will be best positioned to capture incremental revenue while maintaining high service standards during peak occupancy.

Driving results through the convenience of mobile ordering

During major sporting events, guest expectations shift towards convenience, speed and flexibility. Mobile ordering allows guests to order food and beverages directly from their smartphones, whether they are watching a match in the sports bar, relaxing poolside or enjoying the atmosphere in a rooftop lounge.

Orders are sent directly to the hotel’s point-of-sale (POS) system, ensuring swift fulfilment and improved order accuracy. This streamlined process eliminates manual order taking and reduces errors, helping teams maintain service quality even during the busiest match days.

For guests, the experience is seamless. They can place orders without leaving their seats, ensuring they never miss any of the action while still enjoying fast, frictionless service.

Meeting peak demand without increasing headcount

Major events like the World Cup place significant pressure on hotel operations. With staffing challenges continuing across the hospitality industry, maximising the productivity of existing teams is critical.

Mobile ordering reduces staff back-and-forth movement between guests and POS terminals, allowing servers to focus on delivering food and beverages rather than manually entering orders. This shift enables teams to handle higher volumes with greater efficiency while maintaining a high standard of guest service.

Hotels can also use mobile ordering to activate service in areas that may not traditionally be staffed. Temporary venues such as outdoor terraces, event bars, poolside spaces or rooftop lounges can easily be brought into service with simple QR code ordering.

This flexibility allows properties to expand service areas during match days and large events without requiring additional infrastructure or staffing.

Controlling peak service pressure

World Cup match schedules will inevitably create surges in demand during specific periods. Digital menus give hotels the ability to manage kitchen flow by controlling menu availability and order volumes in real time.

This helps reduce bottlenecks in the kitchen while maintaining consistent service standards during peak moments.

At the same time, smart upsells built into the ordering journey encourages guests to add sides, drinks and limited-time specials, helping hotels increase average order values during high-demand periods.

A digital guest directory built for global events

Digital guest directories also provide a powerful source of information during large-scale international events.

Hotels can highlight match schedules, promote special viewing events, showcase limited-time menus and share important property information directly with guests through their mobile devices.

Multi-language capabilities ensure international visitors can easily navigate services and make the most of their stay.

Properties can also promote late-night room service, post-match snacks and breakfast offers for slower mornings after late fixtures, ensuring revenue opportunities are captured throughout the entire guest journey.

Getting match-ready now

With the FIFA World Cup 2026 expected to attract millions of international visitors, preparation is key. Hotels that invest early in digital ordering and guest engagement technology will be best positioned to capture incremental food and beverage revenue while protecting the guest experience during peak demand.

By combining mobile ordering with digital guest directories, hotels can create seamless match-day experiences that drive guest satisfaction, improve operational efficiency and unlock new revenue streams.

When the final whistle blows, the hotels that planned ahead will be the ones celebrating long after the tournament ends.

For more information about the IRIS platform or to get match-fit, please visitwww.iris.net . 

About IRIS:

IRIS is a global market leader in digital F&B ordering, guest directory and concierge solutions for hotels, working with many of the world's leading chains including Marriott, Ennismore, Mandarin Oriental, IHG and Four Seasons.

IRIS empowers Hotels and F&B leaders to do what they do best: increase revenue, look after their teams, and provide an outstanding customer experience.

Their flexible hospitality platform enables hotels and restaurants to provide a truly digital ordering experience to their guests, making it easier and faster for guests to browse, order and pay for items and services across multiple outlets.

Since 2010, thousands of hotels on every continent across the world have used IRIS's mobile, tablet and web app technology to boost additional revenues by 20% on average. More information: www.iris.net or info@iris.net