Record Airbnb guest numbers, host earnings at FIFA World Cup 2026™ By Airbnb · August 6, 2026 · Company , Stays Hosts collectively earned hundreds of millions of dollars and newly listed 150,000+ homes on Airbnb as guests from 196 countries headed to our biggest hosting event ever. Just weeks after the biggest sporting event in history concluded, Airbnb — Official Tournament Supporter of the FIFA World Cup 2026™ — is sharing new data on the record-breaking impact of the tournament for hosts across North America. The new data shows that the FIFA World Cup was not only our biggest-ever hosting event — it also generated more earnings for hosts than any event in our history. Record guest numbers and host income Millions of guests from 196 nations checked in to Airbnbs during the FIFA World Cup across 16 host cities in Canada, Mexico, and the US 1 . Tournament-time stays generated hundreds of millions of dollars in total host earnings, with a typical host earning almost $3,000 2 — valuable extra income when living costs are high. Our growing community As millions of people from across the world flocked to North America, many took the opportunity to experience being a host or guest on Airbnb for the first time. More than 150,000 homes across host cities were newly listed on our platform 3 , helping cities welcome more visitors while providing an economic uplift for the local community. And around one in seven guests who booked a World Cup stay was a first-time Airbnb user 4 — with many experiencing the excitement of the tournament in local homes and communities they might otherwise have missed. Demand and affordability With bookings during the tournament costing an average of less than $250 a night 5 , affordability was likely a key reason why guests chose Airbnb for stays during the FIFA World Cup. This was especially true for families and groups, who accounted for over 40% of tournament-time stays in host cities 6 . Airbnb enables families and groups to stay together in larger listings — avoiding the cost of booking multiple accommodations — and provides access to amenities like kitchens, gardens, and communal spaces they might not find elsewhere. Affordability may also have encouraged more Gen Z guests, who accounted for almost 40% of guests who booked World Cup stays in host cities, to choose Airbnb 7 . Stays beyond the tournament Many guests chose to expand their trip of a lifetime beyond tournament host cities. Around one in five guests who booked tournament-time stays also booked an additional stay in at least one other city in Canada, Mexico, or the US 8 , helping them discover more of the region while generating benefits for more hosts and communities. Juan David Borrero, Global Head of Partnerships, said: "The FIFA World Cup brought millions of guests to Airbnb and created real economic opportunities for hosts and local communities across North America. It was incredible to see so many people open their homes and welcome fans from around the world. We're excited to do it all again for the FIFA Women's World Cup next year." 1 Summing total guest arrivals from tournament-time stays (June 4, 2026 and July 19, 2026) across Airbnb-defined markets that correspond to the 16 FIFA World Cup host cities, along with inferred country or territory of origin. 2 Hosts that earned on Airbnb in one of the 16 host cities during the tournament window in each city. 3 New active listings added between October 1, 2025 and July 19, 2026 across the 16 host cities. 4 Share of distinct guests booking a stay in a host city during the tournament window who were making their first-ever Airbnb booking. 5 Mean booked price for reservations overlapping tournament time period across the 16 host cities, including taxes and fees. 6 Share of tournament window bookings made by a family (at least one child or infant guest) or a group (3 or more guests, no children). 7 Share of tournament window bookings made by guests born between 1995 and 2009. 8 ~19% of guests with completed bookings in FIFA host cities during the tournament window who had another Airbnb stay in a different city during the tournament dates. About Airbnb Airbnb was born in 2007 when two hosts welcomed three guests to their San Francisco home, and has since grown to over 5.5 million hosts who have welcomed over 2.5 billion guest arrivals in almost every country across the globe. Every day, hosts offer unique stays, experiences, and services that make it possible for guests to connect with communities in a more authentic way. Download logo assets Related stories Airbnb Q2 2026 financial results August 6, 2026
Curated by Taleb Kabbara · Source: news.airbnb.com