Hospitality Hiring Climbs in World Cup Host Cities

Hospitality hiring jumped more than 30% in May across host cities of the FIFA World Cup 2026, according to OysterLink, a job platform for the restaurant and hospitality industry. Data showed job postings across the 11 U.S. host metros climbed 30.3% in May compared to the January-April average, while non-host markets saw hiring fall 23.8%.

“The fact that host-city hiring is rising while many other markets are slowing tells a bigger story,” says Milos Eric, general manager at OysterLink, in the release. “Hotels, restaurants and event operators clearly expect demand to ramp up well before the first match begins.”

Philadelphia saw the biggest climb, with postings rising 83% above the January-April monthly average. Boston (+61%) and Atlanta (+55%) also recorded major increases.

OysterLink states roles such as hotel managers, event coordinators, valets, delivery drivers and front-of-house restaurant staff—including bartenders, servers and hosts—are leading the hiring growth.