Airbnb and FIFA have announced a strategic three-year collaboration that promises to transform the travel experience around three of the world’s most important football tournaments: the FIFA Club World Cup 2025, the FIFA World Cup 2026, and the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027. This partnership makes Airbnb an Official FIFA Partner and the Official Fan Accommodation Provider during these three events, representing not only an innovation in sports tourism but also an economic opportunity for thousands of host communities.
Brian Chesky, CEO and co-founder of Airbnb, stated: “The World Cup brings the world together — and so do we. Airbnb is proud to partner with FIFA to offer fans once-in-a-lifetime experiences during the tournaments, while welcoming hundreds of thousands of guests.”
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What kind of experiences can fans enjoy?
The collaboration between Airbnb and FIFA goes beyond regular stays. The platform will offer personalized experiences and immersive cultural activities led by local hosts. Users will be able to participate in exclusive sessions such as:
- A private training session with iconic goalkeeper Tim Howard.
- Attending a Club World Cup match alongside football legend Cobi Jones.
- Access to a tactical session with a member of FIFA’s Technical Study Group.
These experiences are part of Airbnb’s Original Experiences, designed to connect fans with local cultures and experience football from a new perspective.
What economic impact will the Airbnb and FIFA collaboration have on host cities?
According to a study conducted by Deloitte, more than 380,000 guests are expected to use Airbnb exclusively to attend the FIFA World Cup 2026, generating an estimated direct economic impact of $3.6 billion in local economies. Additionally:
- Hosts could earn up to $210 million in income across the 16 Host Cities.
- The tournament is expected to create the equivalent of 34,000 full-time jobs through tourism-related activity.
This economic impact will not be limited to traditional tourist centers. Airbnb redistributes visitor spending to less touristy neighborhoods, benefiting cafés, restaurants, and small businesses.
What is the Host Cities Impact Program?
As part of its commitment to local development, Airbnb will implement the Host Cities Impact Program, a $5 million investment aimed at supporting selected initiatives in host cities. This program seeks to:
- Promote local economic growth.
- Enhance the experience for both residents and tourists.
- Fund community projects that leave a lasting legacy beyond the tournament.
This approach reinforces Airbnb’s commitment to inclusive development and urban regeneration in the context of major sporting events.
When and where will the 2026 World Cup be played?
- Start date: Thursday, June 11, 2026
- Final match: Sunday, July 19, 2026
- Host countries: Mexico, the United States, and Canada. This is the first time three nations will co-host a World Cup.
How many teams will participate in the FIFA World Cup 2026?
- Number of participating teams: 48
- This will be the largest World Cup in terms of teams in the history of football.
- Argentina will attempt to become the third country to successfully defend its title.
Which cities will host the 2026 World Cup?
🇨🇦 Canada:
- Toronto
- Vancouver
🇲🇽 Mexico:
- Guadalajara
- Mexico City (Estadio Azteca)
- Monterrey
🇺🇸 United States:
- Atlanta
- Boston
- Dallas
- Houston
- Kansas City
- Los Angeles
- Miami
- New York / New Jersey
- Philadelphia
- San Francisco (Bay Area)
- Seattle
Which stadiums will host matches in the 2026 World Cup?
Canada:
- Toronto Stadium
- BC Place Vancouver
Mexico:
- Estadio Banorte, formerly Estadio Azteca (Mexico City)
- Estadio Akron
- Estadio BBVA, home of Monterrey’s Rayados
United States:
- Mercedes-Benz Stadium (Atlanta)
- Gillette Stadium (Boston)
- AT&T Stadium (Dallas)
- NRG Stadium (Houston)
- Arrowhead Stadium (Kansas City)
- SoFi Stadium (Los Angeles)
- Hard Rock Stadium (Miami)
- MetLife Stadium (New York / New Jersey)
- Lincoln Financial Field (Philadelphia)
- Levi’s Stadium (San Francisco)
- Lumen Field (Seattle)
