Want To Airbnb Your Home During the FIFA World Cup? Here’s How Much You Could Earn

As excitement builds for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, soccer fans are mapping out their travel plans, opening the door for Airbnb hosts in U.S. match cities to cash in.

World Cup Airbnb host earnings are projected to total nearly $156 million, translating to average earnings of approximately $4,000 per Airbnb host, or $262 per night, according to a new Deloitte analysis.

"An international event like the 2026 World Cup creates a short-term surge in lodging demand that allows homeowners to earn significantly more than during a typical rental period," says Hannah Jones, senior economic research analyst at Realtor.com®.

"Hosts in major metro areas could generate thousands of dollars in incremental income over the tournament window. These earnings can help offset rising housing costs, taxes, or mortgage payments, especially for homeowners in high-demand host cities."

The wildly popular tournament is hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico—and runs from June 11 until July 19, 2026, when the final takes place in East Rutherford, NJ.

The U.S. will host 60 games, including the quarterfinals, semifinals, and final.

The 11 U.S. host cities are: Atlanta, Boston, Dallas, Houston, Kansas City, MO, Los Angeles, Miami, New York-New Jersey, Philadelphia, San Francisco Bay Area, and Seattle.

Those metros are expected to host about 2.1 million tourists during the World Cup who will need places to stay, including approximately 232,000 Airbnb guests.

"The wide geographic spread of host cities and surrounding metro areas gives visitors far more flexibility in price, size, and type of accommodation," says Jones.

"Short-term rentals expand options beyond traditional hotels, offering everything from small apartments to large homes suitable for families or groups traveling together. Many rentals are also located closer to stadiums or transit corridors, helping visitors balance convenience, space, and cost."

Deloitte analyzed the 11 host cities to see where Airbnb hosts can make the most money.

The New York-New Jersey region leads the rankings, with projected Airbnb earnings of $5,700 per host during the World Cup.

Rounding out the top five are Boston ($5,200), Los Angeles ($5,100), Miami ($5,000), and Dallas ($4,400).

Seattle ranks sixth at $3,800 per host, followed by Atlanta ($3,700) and Kansas City ($3,500). The San Francisco Bay Area and Houston are tied for ninth, with projected earnings of $3,000 per host each. Philadelphia ranks 11th, with $1,900 in projected per-host earnings.

Short-term rental buzz

Even though the World Cup is months away, people are starting to strategize.

"A lot of our clients in Miami are already asking questions about listing their homes as short-term rentals and timing, since demand will be extremely high and it can be a smart way to generate income in a short period of time," says real estate agent Angel Nicolas of Serhant Real Estate.

"Some are even planning trips around it so they can take advantage of the demand while they’re away and maximize top dollar."

To cash in on the opportunity, homeowners in host cities are squeezing value out of every available square foot.

"I’m beginning to hear early conversations from homeowners, investors, and friends who are considering different angles to take advantage of the World Cup here in Dallas-Fort Worth, including renting out single rooms," says Shamil Shalwani, real estate agent with Douglas Elliman.

Nicolas says some Airbnb hosts are planning to create goody bags and giveaways to set themselves apart. "We recommend going the extra mile and creating custom items for renters to take," he says. 

Atlanta real estate agent and attorney Bruce Ailion, of Re/Max Town & Country, says many owners have high hopes for astronomical profits.

"Some think they can make $10,000 to $20,000 per week on an average property that might rent for $2,500 to $3,000 per month," he explains.

Location, location, location

Proximity to a World Cup stadium could translate into substantial short-term rental earnings for homeowners.

"Homes near the AT&T Stadium, DFW, and Love Field airports, and entertainment districts such as the ones in downtown Dallas and Arlington are especially well-positioned," says Dallas-based Shalwani.

In Houston, "the impact is most visible around NRG Stadium and downtown, where short-term rental interest has increased ahead of the event," says Ahmed Harhara, founder of HoustonHomeTools.com.

For Los Angeles matches, California real estate agent Cara Ameer notes that the South Bay’s close proximity to SoFi Stadium makes it especially appealing, with the added draw of beaches, restaurants, and shopping.

But no matter where you live, just make sure you are allowed to rent out your home before doing so.

"In New York City, there are rules and regulations around Airbnb, and also many of the buildings have rules around subleasing or renting out your homes," warns Nikki Beauchamp, an associate broker with Sotheby's International Realty in Manhattan.

Before listing your home on Airbnb, check HOA rules and local laws, as regulations vary by city and state.

How the World Cup is boosting home sales

The World Cup is proving to be a win not only for short-term rentals, but for home sales as well.

"I’ve had multiple conversations recently with homebuyers who are structuring condo purchases with major events in mind," says Miami real estate agent Chris Wands, founder of The Wands Team at Douglas Elliman.

"One of my clients has two upcoming closings in a building that's designed to accommodate short-term stays, and he plans to fully operate them as such during the World Cup before transitioning them to longer-term leases after the event is over."

Since the World Cup will be the biggest one-time event in Atlanta since the 1996 Olympics, the city's real estate market is experiencing a similar surge in momentum.

"I have Atlanta buyers wanting to purchase homes just to rent out during the event," says Ailion. "It's a big deal not just for real estate but for the whole economy."

In fact, an Airbnb spokesperson tells Realtor.com that during the World Cup, "Airbnb guests are projected to generate $3.6 billion for host city economies.”

With a global spotlight on host cities, the World Cup has the potential to draw an entirely new pool of homebuyers.

Dallas-based Shalwani says, "Events like this elevate Dallas’ international profile, which can attract new buyers and investors who may not have previously considered the market."