As I was catching up on some television right before Christmas, there was a segment of news regarding all the celebrations which will come to life in 2026. I couldn’t help but think, “what an exciting time to be in the Salon business……IF you are on top of your game.”
If your salon is in a FIFA World Cup host city, you’re not just looking at “busy weekends.” You’re looking at an international surge. Visitors who will be walking miles, taking photos, going out at night, and booking last-minute beauty services to look and feel their best.
In the event you did not know….The FIFA World Cup 26™ runs June 11 to July 19, 2026.
Here are the 11 U.S. host cities.
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Atlanta, GA
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Boston, MA
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Dallas, TX
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Houston, TX
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Kansas City, MO
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Los Angeles, CA
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Miami, FL
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New York/New Jersey
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Philadelphia, PA
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San Francisco Bay Area, CA
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Seattle, WA
Continue reading for some thoughts and Salon Playbook ideas.
1) Get your calendar and policies tight
World Cup traffic brings late bookings + no-shows + “can you fit 5 of us in today?”
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Require a credit card on file for peak weeks
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If you don’t already have one, add a clear late/no-show policy and enforce it. Generate an automatic email or text clearly detailing your policy.
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Create express services that are profitable and fast (30–45 minutes)
2) Build “tourist-proof” service menus
Visitors don’t want to study a menu. They want quick wins. Create 3–5 easy, high-converting options:
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Express Pedicure (30 min) (clean-up + polish)
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Foot Recovery Pedicure (callus care + hydration focus)
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Game Night Glam (polish + simple nail art)
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Walkers’ Rescue Add-On (cooling gel, massage upgrade, blister care education)
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Travel Kit Bundle (retail add-on at checkout) simple and be sure they are travel size.
3) Stock like you mean it
This is not the time to “hope the shipment arrives”, or “order as needed”.
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Double up on: disposables, files, buffers, sanitized tools, polish remover, towels/liners etc. Be sure your back bar stock is full and your stations are organized.
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Plan retail: travel sizes, foot creams, blister prevention, deodorizing sprays, after-sun care (where relevant). Keep your retail visible (near check out) and easy to choose. Too many choices, to much complication and “pretty” does not sell. (not that we don’t like pretty :))
4) Staff for stamina, not chaos
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Add floating coverage for cleaning/resetting stations
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Cross-train for quick turnover (especially pedicure rooms)
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Extend hours strategically: early mornings + later evenings beat midday fatigue
5) Make your salon easy for visitors to find and trust
Tourists live on their phones.
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Update your Google Business Profile: photos, services, hours, booking link
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Add “near stadium / fan zone” keywords naturally on your website
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Create a social media post: “World Cup Weeks: extended hours + express menu”
6) Plan your marketing without using FIFA marks
You can promote the “soccer season,” “international match weeks,” “summer tournament rush,” etc. Keep it simple and safe. Not everyone will know what FIFA is.
7) Plan NOW. Good planning = good results.
City-by-City: How to Prepare (Practical Ideas That Fit Each Market)
Atlanta, GA
Atlanta will bring big crowds, events, and nightlife energy.
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Push evening appointments and “night-out” add-ons
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Offer group booking blocks (bridal-party style, but for friends traveling together)
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Create quick, polished looks: gel polish, structured manicures, tidy toes
Boston, MA
Boston visitors will walk, and walk a lot.
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Lead with Foot Recovery and “walking-friendly” care
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Offer polish refresh appointments (20–25 minutes) for tourists
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Retail focus: Toe props (gel cushions, heel liners) + intensive hydration, offering quality brands.
Dallas, TX
Dallas summer heat means sandals, open-toe shoes, and high demand for toes.
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Feature toenail-perfecting services (clean shaping, smoothing, long-wear polish)
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Add “heat-proof” upgrades: anti-sweat foot care, deodorizing retail
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Consider earlier opening hours to beat the heat and match tourist schedules
Houston, TX
Houston will be busy and hot, with lots of visitors looking for convenient self-care.
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Offer express pedicures that still look premium
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Set up a “cool-down” foot experience (cooling gel + massage upgrade)
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Tighten sanitation and reset systems.
Kansas City, MO
Kansas City is a central hub city. Expect visitors who want friendly service and easy booking.
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Make online booking ridiculously simple (clear services + clear timing)
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Offer family-friendly hours and “quick tidy” services
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Run a partnership with nearby hotels: concierge cards or QR booking
Los Angeles, CA
LA is glam, camera-ready, and trend-driven.
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Offer photo-ready add-ons: glossy top coats, subtle shimmer, nail art menus
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Consider a “VIP quick lane” (premium express pricing, guaranteed on-time service)
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Push retail that travels well: cuticle oil pens, mini foot creams
Miami, FL
Miami is heat, humidity, nightlife, and pool/beach wear.
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Promote long-wear toes (gel, durable finishes)
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Build “after-sun” comfort: hydration, soothing treatments, cracked-heel rescue
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Prep for last-minute bookings: tourists decide today what they’re doing tonight
New York / New Jersey
This market will be fast-paced and packed (and it’s hosting the final).
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Create commuter/tourist express menus with strict timing
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Require deposits for prime slots. Your schedule will get hammered
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Emphasize “in-and-out but perfect” services: structured manicures, gel polish, clean pedicures
Philadelphia, PA
Philadelphia visitors will walk, eat, explore, repeat.
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Offer Foot Recovery + anti-fatigue massage upgrades
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Offer “refresh services” for busy travelers (quick polish change, quick cuticle clean-up)
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Market to groups: “book 3+ together” perks (not discounts…value adds)
San Francisco Bay Area, CA
Expect planners, premium buyers, and tech-forward clients.
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Make your experience feel elevated: punctuality, consultation, cleanliness, quiet luxury
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Add text confirmations + easy rescheduling
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Stock higher-end retail bundles. This crowd buys convenience
Seattle, WA
Seattle visitors may deal with cooler temps and lots of walking.
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Promote dry-skin/heel care and “sock-and-sneaker season” foot maintenance
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Offer warm, comfort-focused upgrades (massage, hydration)
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Keep a “rainy-day walk-in plan” because weather shifts plans fast
Once you get your plan(s) in place, pick your target date to begin implementing. My recommendation is a 4-Week Jump start Plan
Week 1: Tighten booking policies + build 3 express services
Week 2: Inventory plan + retail bundles
Week 3: Train team on speed + consistency + reset flow
Week 4: Local partnerships (hotels, Airbnbs, event planners) + Google profile refresh
The truth is, the best possible outcome in 2026 won’t happen by accident. It’ll happen because you prepared for it.
And if you’re wondering what qualifies me to say that, it’s simple: back in my salon “heyday,” planning events wasn’t occasional… it was part of how we stayed busy, relevant, and profitable. We didn’t just wait for business to show up, we created reasons for people to book. We planned everything from full “Day of Beauty” experiences with glamour shots, to weddings, children’s birthday parties, Iron Man race weekends, Turkey Trots, and even events we hosted right inside our clients’ businesses.
What I learned is…..the most successful events weren’t the ones with the biggest budgets or the fanciest ideas. They were the ones planned ahead. Thoughtfully, strategically, and with the team ready to deliver.
That’s exactly why I’m encouraging you to look ahead now.
Because knowing what’s coming to your city is a bonus most businesses ignore, until it’s too late. Stay connected. Keep your finger on the pulse through your local community event calendars, your Chamber of Commerce, tourism boards, and networking groups. When you know what’s happening before the crowds hit, you can plan your staffing, your inventory, your service menu, and your marketing…so you’re not scrambling.
Preparation isn’t extra. It’s the advantage.
Great this was a great article. Thank you so much. Very informative, even if I’m not in the city that’s hosting the event.
Thanks Tamera…..there may be potential clients in your area who are going and need to get “pretty” before their trip. It’s great potential for all of us. 🙂