Airbnb Hosting for the FIFA World Cup: Revenue Potential and City-Specific Rules
The FIFA World Cup 2026™ is projected to be one of the largest travel events in North American history, with unprecedented lodging demand expected across every host city.
Huge spikes in visitors from global sporting events are not new; Qatar’s 2022 World Cup saw more than 3.4 million spectators, requiring the construction of more than 100 new hotels to accommodate visitors. The U.S. is expected to experience similar (and in many markets, higher) demand.
With 78 matches spread across 11 American cities, millions of fans, international travelers, media teams, and event staff will be competing for limited lodging, and hotels in many markets are already projected to reach full capacity.
What Airbnb Hosts Could Earn During the 2026 FIFA World Cup: Revenue Potential for Short-Term Rentals
According to a Deloitte economic analysis commissioned by Airbnb, World Cup travel is expected to generate around $212 million in total host earnings on Airbnb alone and a 90% surge in average nightly rates compared to typical summer travel.
These aren’t hypothetical projections; they’re modeled from real booking patterns during past global events, major-market rate behavior, and current STR market-share trends. For homeowners in World Cup host cities, the opportunity is real: a single World Cup rental window could outperform an entire typical travel season or amount to serious extra income.
Superhost FAQ: “How Much Can I Make Renting Out My Home for the 2026 FIFA World Cup?
Early projections from Airbnb and Deloitte suggest that hosting during the 2026 FIFA World Cup could deliver some of the strongest short-term rental revenue U.S. hosts have ever seen. Each of the expected 382,000 Airbnb guests attending the World Cup are estimated to spend an average of $122 per night on lodging alone. With many soccer fans traveling in pairs or groups, and likely not occupying an Airbnb on their own, it’s safe to multiply their projection for your specific rental based on your property’s occupancy. Airbnb predicts a total of $327 million in Airbnb guest spending on just accommodations. That’s significant opportunity.
As hosts push for licensing their property and soccer fans begin booking accommodations, demand won’t slow down any time soon. For homeowners in World Cup host cities, that means two things:
- If you’re eligible to host, the earning potential is significant.
- If you’re not prepared—licensed, insured, and compliant—you may miss the opportunity to host during the World Cup entirely.
With interest growing and demand compacting during constant World Cup matches, STR hosts are rushing to capitalize on historic revenue potential. The question arises: Is your short-term rental home legally ready for soccer fans?
How to Capitalize on World Cup Earning Potential: Start with Compliance
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is expected to drive a surge in travel demand across U.S. host cities—but only hosts who are legally allowed to operate will be able to take advantage of it. With a likely influx of new short-term rental applications and closer city oversight, hosts should start preparing now to ensure their properties are approved, compliant, and ready to accept bookings well ahead of the tournament.
Before focusing on pricing or marketing, hosts should work through a few foundational steps:
- Check That Short-term Rentals are Allowed at Your Property
Start by verifying whether STRs are permitted in your area, including any city zoning rules, HOA restrictions, or building-level regulations that may limit or prohibit short-term renting altogether. - Review Your Insurance Coverage
Confirm your current insurance policy allows short-term rental use, as many traditional Homeowners or Landlord policies exclude STR activity, and inadequate or non-qualifying coverage can prevent licensing approval. - Comply with Local STR Laws
Every World Cup host city has its own requirements for licensing, registration, taxes, insurance, safety standards, and occupancy limits. These rules are often enforced more strictly during major events, and hosts who are not properly prepared may be unable to accept bookings or receive payouts during the World Cup. Starting the application process early can help avoid delays, denials, or missed opportunities as demand increases.
City-by-City Predictions & Short-Term Rental Requirements in World Cup U.S. Host Cities
While an increase in visitors is certain for World Cup host cities, the short-term rental laws vary widely. Some cities require permits and inspections, others restrict STRs to specific zoning districts, and many areas enforce occupancy limits, insurance coverage minimums, or registration fees.
Local STR rules may be monitored more strictly during major events like the World Cup, so confirming compliance early is essential. With steep fines and penalties awaiting non-compliant properties, it’s best to address licensing and regulatory requirements well before fans arrive.
Below is a city-by-city breakdown of what hosts can expect based on hotel capacity, international travel pipelines, STR availability in each market, and short-term rental regulations for each U.S. World Cup host city.
Atlanta, Georgia
When is the World Cup Coming to Atlanta?
World Cup matches in ATL will be held at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium on June 18, 21, and 24, and on July 1, 7, and—the semi-final match—on the 15th.
In-Demand ATL Lodging Areas Ahead of the World Cup
Atlanta’s central location and tournament schedule position it as a multi-match hub, meaning longer stays and more extended booking windows. Areas along MARTA rail lines—Midtown, Downtown, Old Fourth Ward, Buckhead—are likely to see sustained STR compression.
What Hosts Need to Know Before Welcoming World Cup fans in Atlanta
Atlanta’s short-term rental rules require a Short-Term Rental License (STRL), limit you to your primary residence plus one additional unit, cap occupancy at two adults per bedroom, and layer on Atlanta and Georgia lodging taxes. Atlanta’s occupancy limits (2 adults per bedroom) may also influence booking trends for group travel. So, before you list near Mercedes-Benz Stadium, make sure you understand Atlanta’s STR laws and see exactly how much money ATL hosts could make on Airbnb during the World Cup.
Boston, Massachusetts
When is the World Cup Coming to Boston?
World Cup matches in Boston will take place at Gillette Stadium on June 13, 19, 23, 26, 27, and 29, as well as the quarterfinal match on July 9.
Popular STR Locations for the Boston World Cup
With Gillette Stadium located outside the city, STR demand will be distributed across the I-95/I-495 corridor, drawing from Boston proper, Providence, and suburban towns with commuter-rail access. Boston’s strict primary-residence rules dramatically reduce STR inventory, making compliance essential for host participation.
Hosting World Cup Fans in Boston? Here’s What To Understand
Boston’s strict Airbnb rules only allow owner-occupied primary residences (no investor units), cap STRs under 28 days, and stack state and local room taxes up to nearly 18%—so before you list, make sure you understand Boston’s short-term rental categories, occupancy limits, $1M insurance requirement, and registration steps; plus, find out how much you could make hosting for the World Cup in Boston.
Dallas, Texas
When is the World Cup Coming to Dallas?
Dallas will host World Cup soccer matches at AT&T Stadium on June 14, 17, 22, 25, 27, and 30, and on July 3, 6, and finally, the 14th for the semi-final match.
World Cup Lodging Hubs to Watch in DTX
Dallas–Fort Worth is a sprawling region with pockets of hotel saturation, but areas surrounding AT&T Stadium—Arlington, Grand Prairie, and the Entertainment District—do not have sufficient hotel supply for World Cup-scale events. STRs will serve as critical lodging inventory, with demand extending outward along major highways. Homes with capacity for groups will be especially competitive.
What Hosts Need to Know Before Welcoming World Cup Fans in Dallas
DTX treats stays under 30 days as short-term rentals, caps you at three guests per bedroom (up to 12 total), bans loud amplified sound after 10 p.m., and still expects you to collect the 6% Texas state and 9% Dallas hotel occupancy taxes—so before you list near AT&T Stadium or downtown, make sure you understand Dallas’s STR registration, occupancy, noise, and tax rules in our Dallas short-term rental guide. Don’t forget to see how much money you could generate by hosting in Dallas for the World Cup.
Houston, Texas
When is the World Cup Coming to Houston?
Houston’s NRG Stadium will host games on June 14, 17, 20, and 29, followed by a Round of 16 match on July 4.
Neighborhoods Likely to Attract World Cup Travelers in Houston
Houston’s hotel supply around NRG Stadium is strong, but the region’s vast geography and multi-match hosting window create STR opportunity in well-connected neighborhoods like Medical Center, Museum District, Midtown, and areas near light-rail corridors. Houston’s new STR ordinance (effective 2026) will make compliance a prerequisite for platform visibility.
What Hosts Need to Know Before Welcoming World Cup Fans in Houston
Starting in 2026, the city’s Airbnb regulations require annual STR registration, proof of $1 million in insurance, and compliance with fire and building codes—plus Houston’s 13% combined state and city hotel tax. Before you list, check the new licensing deadlines, local contact rules, and advertising restrictions in our Houston short-term rental guide or learn how much you could make by hosting in Houston for the World Cup.
Before hosting for a major global event, it’s important to understand how World Cup demand changes risk exposure. Our World Cup hosting guide for homeowners explains what to consider before listing.
Kansas City, Missouri
When is the World Cup Coming to Kansas City?
Kansas City will host World Cup matches at Arrowhead Stadium on June 14, 20, 25, and 27th, along with matches on July 3, and a quarterfinal match on the 11th.
Popular World Cup Lodging Spots in K.C.
Kansas City has one of the lowest hotel-room densities of any host market, especially near Arrowhead. Lodging compression is expected to ripple through Independence, Raytown, Blue Springs, and centrally located neighborhoods with reliable highway access. Early regulatory updates and the city’s temporary World Cup registration category reflect how significant STR supply will be to support the tourism boost.
Hosting in Kansas City for the 2026 World Cup? Here’s What to Know:
KCMO has created a special event short-term rental registration with a reduced $50 fee and a limited World Cup window—but it still comes with strict zoning, safety, and tax rules. Get the full Kansas City STR breakdown before you list your place and learn how much income you could generate by Airbnbing your home during the World Cup.
Los Angeles, California
When is the World Cup Coming to Los Angeles?
Los Angeles will host matches at SoFi Stadium on June 12, 18, 25, and 28th, and another on July 2. The city will also stage a high-stakes quarterfinal on July 10.
Where World Cup Lodging Pressure Is Expected Across Los Angeles
LA’s global tourism rates and fragmented hotel layouts in the SoFi Stadium area make for intense lodging pressure ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. With fans prioritizing access to Inglewood, LAX, and the Metro K Line, STRs in Inglewood, Hawthorne, Westchester, Culver City, and South LA, transit nodes may see rapid compression. LA’s strict 120-day limit on unhosted stays also reduces inventory, which could heighten competition for compliant listings.
Tips on Hosting for the World Cup in Los Angeles
If you’re planning to host World Cup travelers in Los Angeles, know that L.A.’s STR rules and Home-Sharing Ordinance remains fully in effect during major events. Only your primary residence is eligible for short-term renting, and standard stays are capped at 120 days per year unless you qualify for an Extended Home-Sharing Permit. Guest ID verification, $1 million liability coverage for Home Sharing, and all other requirements are mandatory. Learn more about Los Angeles short-term rental laws and guidelines and see how much income you could generate by hosting your LA home for the World Cup.
Miami, Florida
When is the World Cup Coming to Miami?
Miami’s Hard Rock Stadium will feature games on June 21, 24, and 27, followed by knockout rounds on July 3 and July 11. The bronze final takes place here on July 18—just before the championship.
STR Zones Expected to See World Cup Demand in Miami
Miami is one of the strongest international gateway cities in the U.S., and Deloitte’s modeling shows markets with high inbound global travel tend to see accelerated booking curves. Expect elevated demand in legally eligible STR zones near Downtown, Brickell, Wynwood, Edgewater, Coral Gables, and Miami Beach—especially where transit access to Hard Rock Stadium is convenient. Miami’s zoning map drastically limits STR eligibility, which may create scarcity during the tournament.
What Owners Should Know Before Hosting World Cup fans in Miami
Miami’s Airbnb rules are some of Florida’s strictest—only certain zoning districts allow short-term rentals, and hosts must secure both a Certificate of Use and a Business Tax Receipt before listing. Even in eligible zones, Miami enforces noise, trash, and building safety rules closely, so before welcoming fans to your vacation rental, check your zoning, permits, and verify your insurance coverage. Plus, learn how much income you could generate by Airbnbing your home for the Miami World Cup.
New York, New York
When is the World Cup Coming to New York?
Matches will be played at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ, on June 13, 22, and 30, plus July 5, and the biggest event of all—the World Cup Final on July 19th.
Where World Cup Visitors Are Likely to Stay in New York City
New York is expected to experience some of the strongest lodging pressure of any U.S. host market, driven by heavy international travel and its proximity to MetLife Stadium. With fans prioritizing access to Midtown, Lower Manhattan, and key transit corridors, STR demand is likely to cluster around neighborhoods with direct routes to New Jersey—such as Hudson Yards, Chelsea, Hell’s Kitchen, the Upper West Side, Long Island City, and Downtown Brooklyn. Access to Penn Station, Grand Central (via the LIRR connection), Times Square–42 St, and the PATH-adjacent West Village/Chelsea corridor may accelerate booking timelines as visitors seek fast connections to Secaucus Junction and East Rutherford. NYC’s limited STR inventory will naturally heighten competition for legally operable listings across these high-demand zones.
Hosting for the World Cup in NYC—No Rule Relaxation for 2026
If you’re considering hosting World Cup visitors in New York City, it’s important to understand that NYC’s short-term rental rules do not loosen during major events— hosts must remain on-site for any stay under 30 days, may only host up to two guests, and must ensure guests have unrestricted access to the entire home and all exit routes. Understand more about compliance and hosting with our NYC short-term rental guide, or learn how much money you could make from NYC World Cup hosting on Airbnb.
New Jersey
When is the World Cup Coming to New Jersey?
Matches will be played at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ, on June 13, 22, and 30th, July 5th, and the World Cup Final on July 19th.
New Jersey Areas Expected to Absorb World Cup Lodging Demand
New Jersey’s lodging landscape will be heavily shaped by its role as the host of the World Cup Final at MetLife Stadium. As hotels in the Meadowlands and greater NY/NJ region reach capacity, demand is expected to concentrate in well-connected cities along PATH and NJ Transit lines—particularly Jersey City, Hoboken, and Newark. Neighborhoods near Exchange Place, Grove Street, Newport, Hoboken Terminal, and Newark Penn Station provide direct rail access to Secaucus and East Rutherford, making them prime targets for international visitors.
Airbnbing Your NJ Home for the World Cup Finals? Here’s What Hosts Should Know
If you’re considering renting your place for the World Cup in Jersey City, Hoboken, or Newark, be sure to check the latest N.J. STR requirements. Jersey City enforces some of New Jersey’s strictest rules—no arbitrage, annual permits, 60-night caps, and insurance minimums. Hoboken requires hosts to follow its municipal occupancy tax expansion, and Newark mandates full rental registration and habitability certification for any short-term use. Get the full licensing steps, taxes, and compliance details in our New Jersey STR regulations guide and explore how much you could profit from hosting World Cup fans in New Jersey.
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
When is the World Cup Coming to Philadelphia?
Philadelphia’s Lincoln Financial Field will host World Cup matches on June 14, 19, 25, and 27th, along with another game on July 4th.
The Parts of Philadelphia Likely to See Increased World Cup Demand
Philadelphia combines two pressure points: limited hotel rooms near the stadium district and high visitor overlap with NYC/NJ match days. STR demand may concentrate in Center City, Fishtown, South Philadelphia, and transit-accessible corridors feeding into SEPTA’s Broad Street Line. Elevated occupancy rates are expected for the entire match period.
What Hosts Should Know Before Hosting World Cup Fans in Philadelphia
Philadelphia’s Airbnb rules split rentals into Limited Lodging (primary residences) and Visitor Accommodation (allowed only in select commercial zones), stack state and local hotel taxes to a combined 15.5% and require a zoning permit before you can even apply for an STR license. Airbnbing your home in Philadelphia requires planning, and with a potential backlog of zoning permits standing between you and a legally operating short-term rental, early preparation is key.
If you’re planning to rent during the 2026 World Cup, get answers to how much you could make in Philly hosting during the World Cup and make sure you understand Philadelphia’s zoning eligibility, licensing steps, safety requirements, hotel tax rules, and monthly remittance obligations in our full Philadelphia STR guide.
San Francisco Bay Area, California
When is the World Cup Coming to the San Francisco Bay Area?
The Bay Area’s Levi’s Stadium will host World Cup matches on June 13, 19, and 25, with a game on July 1.
Top Lodging Locations in the Bay Area
Demand around Levi’s Stadium will ripple through Santa Clara, San Jose, Sunnyvale, and Mountain View, especially along Caltrain and light-rail routes. As a major tech and international travel hub, the Bay Area is expected to see early demand and multi-day stays.
What Owners Should Know Before Hosting World Cup Fans in the Bay Area
San Francisco provides a detailed framework for operating short-term rentals, including residency requirements, a 90-night limit for unhosted stays, and standard tax and insurance obligations. With registration through the Office of Short-Term Rentals, eligible hosts in the Bay Area can confidently welcome guests during high-demand events like the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Explore San Francisco’s STR rules, eligibility criteria, and licensing steps or learn how much you can make from Airbnbing your home for World Cup fans in the Bay Area.
Seattle, Washington
When is the World Cup Coming to Seattle?
In the Emerald City, Seattle’s Lumen Field will feature 2026 World Cup games on June 19, 24, and 26, plus knockout rounds on July 1 and July 6.
Seattle Neighborhoods Likely to See World Cup STR Demand
Seattle’s extensive multi-match hosting window, paired with limited hotel availability in stadium-adjacent neighborhoods like Pioneer Square, SoDo, Capitol Hill, Queen Anne, and areas near the Link light rail, points to strong STR pressure and longer average stays. Seattle’s two-unit limit and licensing system will shape which hosts are eligible.
Hosting for the World Cup in Seattle? The Two-Unit Limit Still Applies
If you’re hosting World Cup visitors in Seattle, the city’s STR rules do not relax for major events. Hosts must hold both required licenses, operate no more than two total units (one must be your primary residence), carry $1 million in state-mandated liability insurance, and ensure tax collection on all stays under 30 nights. Learn more about how to stay compliant as a Seattle STR host and learn how much income you could generate by hosting the World Cup in Seattle.
Safety, Compliance, and Proper Insurance: The Essentials for World Cup Hosting
Event-driven bookings bring opportunity, but they also bring heightened regulatory attention. Many cities increase enforcement around safety standards, licensing accuracy, and insurance compliance during major events like the World Cup.
While many hosts assume existing Homeowners or Dwelling policies are enough, these policies are designed for personal or long-term rental use and often severely limit or completely exclude short-term rental activity.
This raises the question: Do you need to change your insurance to short-term rent for the World Cup?
Before the 2026 World Cup, hosts should review their current insurance policy to confirm whether short-term rental activity is covered. If it isn’t, the next step is comparing STR-specific coverage options to determine whether a policy change is needed to meet both regulatory expectations and the increased risk that comes with hosting.
Taking this step early helps avoid surprises when demand and scrutiny are at their highest. More importantly, securing the right insurance coverage protects your liability, property, and revenue exposure during a covered claim. Policies not designed for STR use can fall short during a claim, leaving property owners to shoulder the burden of costs alone. Even if the claim is not directly related to your short-term rental operation, a standard policy could deny your claim just because you operated a short-term rental during the policy year, which violates your insurance contract.
Proper Insurance is built specifically for short-term rentals, designed to protect owners and hosts with robust liability, property, and revenue coverage, and defensibility in court when needed.
When licensing, compliance, and coverage for guest-caused property damage and guest-related accidents or injury are all in place, hosts are better positioned to take part in major events like the World Cup when they have Proper’s comprehensive policy that is custom-written for the exact risks of vacation rental homes.
With a policy built for short-term rentals, you can enter the 2026 tournament prepared and confident, knowing that you’re protected by the nation’s leading short-term rental insurance provider.
