Airbnb launched what it calls its largest new host incentive program to encourage residents in World Cup host cities like Seattle to rent out their homes during the tournament this summer.
New entire home hosts in any of the 16 World Cup cities across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico who welcome their first guests between now and July 31, 2026, are eligible to earn a $750 bonus. According to estimates from Deloitte, residents in host cities like Seattle could earn an average of $3,000 by listing their space on Airbnb during the event.
Searches for stays in host cities are up 80% year-over-year as fans begin making plans to attend matches and related events. In Seattle and nearby areas alone, more than 149,000 fans are expected to travel for the tournament. Local hosts in the region are projected to earn an average of $3,800 by renting their homes on Airbnb during the event.
Airbnb said it is actively seeking new hosts to help meet the anticipated surge in demand for accommodations during the FIFA World Cup. Beyond individual host earnings, the company cited Deloitte estimates that direct spending through Airbnb bookings could generate approximately $260 million for the local economy through a multiplier effect.
