Airbnb and FIFA Team Up to Transform Travel for Soccer Fans

Airbnb and FIFA partnering to optimize the traveler experience at major soccer tournaments

At the core of the partnership is a new suite of Airbnb Experiences tied directly to FIFA events. These offerings include opportunities like a private training session with former U.S. national team goalkeeper Tim Howard, match-day viewing alongside American soccer legend Cobi Jones, and tactical analysis sessions hosted by members of FIFA’s Technical Study Group.

Imagine being able to learn how to goalkeep with Tim Howard, or watching a match with Cobi Jones – these are Experiences now bookable on Airbnb Experiences.

Available starting with the FIFA Club World Cup this June in Miami, these experiences mark the first wave of Airbnb’s expanded engagement with the sport. More are slated for rollout ahead of the 2026 and 2027 tournaments, blending football fandom with cultural discovery in host cities.

“The World Cup brings the world together—and so do we,” said Brian Chesky, Airbnb co-founder and CEO, in a press release. “We’re proud to offer fans unforgettable, hands-on experiences that go beyond the stadium.”

The partnership anticipates over 380,000 fans using Airbnb for stays during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will take place across 16 cities in the United States, Mexico, and Canada. According to a Deloitte study commissioned by Airbnb, guest spending on the platform during the event is projected to inject an estimated $3.6 billion into local economies.

Hosts in tournament cities could collectively earn more than $210 million, reinforcing the platform’s broader narrative around tourism dispersal and local economic empowerment. Airbnb’s data suggest that guest spending will support nearly 34,000 full-time equivalent jobs in 2026 alone, largely by funneling money into small businesses beyond traditional tourist zones.

In parallel, Airbnb is launching a $5 million Host City Impact Program aimed at enhancing visitor experiences and supporting initiatives led by local governments and organizations. This funding pool will prioritize programs that benefit neighborhoods welcoming an influx of guests, with a focus on long-term community development.

“By showcasing our local culture and hospitality, including steering guests to Houston’s culinary mashups—think brisket tacos and Asian-inspired barbecue—I can help ensure that the benefits of this once-in-a-lifetime event are felt across the entire community,” said Airbnb host Sébastien Long in the announcement.

The first slate of Airbnb Experiences for FIFA Club World Cup 2025 is now live on the platform. With global fan anticipation building ahead of the 48-team World Cup in 2026 and the first Women’s World Cup hosted in South America in 2027, this partnership signals a new chapter in destination-driven sports tourism—where lodging, culture, and legacy come together under one roof.

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