Airbnb launched a $750 incentive for new hosts in North American cities hosting the 2026 FIFA World Cup, encouraging locals to rent out their homes during the tournament. Women made up nearly 60% of sign-ups for the program, which runs through July 31, 2026. Hosts across the 16 host cities are expected to earn a combined $212 million, with the average host making around $3,000 during the event, according to fortune.com.
The incentive program aimed to boost short-term rental availability amid a surge in visitors for the World Cup knockout rounds. Women hosts accounted for 53% of active hosts and 50.5% of bookings in the U.S., Mexico, and Canada. The initiative helped many women tap into passive income streams amid rising living costs, with a Focaldata study showing one in three women in host cities feel less financially secure than a year ago, and three in four worried about future expenses.
This hosting boom highlights the role of short-term rentals in accommodating large-scale events and supporting local economies. Airbnb’s payout initiative parallels other efforts to increase housing supply temporarily during major sports tournaments. The prominence of women hosts in this program also reflects broader economic trends where flexible income opportunities are increasingly vital, especially during cost-of-living pressures.
The World Cup runs through mid-July, with Airbnb’s host incentive available until July 31, 2026. The company projects that the total hosting income generated will reach $212 million across the 16 host cities, underscoring the financial impact of the tournament on local residents.