Global Partnership Overview: Airbnb and FIFA Unite
Airbnb and FIFA have entered into a multi-year, multi-tournament global partnership that will reshape the intersection of sports, travel, and community hosting. This strategic alliance positions Airbnb as the Official Hosting Partner of FIFA across a series of premier international tournaments, including the FIFA World Cup 2026™, FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027™, and FIFAe Finals.
The collaboration leverages Airbnb’s robust global network and FIFA’s unparalleled sporting reach to provide inclusive, local-centric, and flexible lodging solutions for millions of fans, athletes, and stakeholders.
Enhancing Fan Travel Experience Through Short-Term Rentals
Airbnb will support FIFA events by offering alternative accommodations in key host cities, addressing the sharp demand peaks during major tournaments. Fans will be able to book verified stays in homes, apartments, and unique properties near stadiums and fan zones, often at more accessible price points than traditional hotels.
This approach expands capacity, reduces strain on local infrastructure, and introduces travelers to authentic community-driven stays.
Empowering Hosts and Local Communities
Through the partnership, Airbnb will empower local hosts to benefit economically from increased tourist influx, while promoting sustainable tourism that aligns with FIFA’s social responsibility objectives. Airbnb will provide:
Tailored onboarding support for new hosts in host cities
Localized training materials to ensure quality standards
Multilingual customer service and tournament-specific support
By facilitating safe, trustworthy, and memorable guest experiences, Airbnb aims to inject tourism revenue directly into local neighborhoods.
Driving Global Inclusion and Accessibility
This partnership is designed to foster greater accessibility to FIFA tournaments, especially for fans who may have been previously priced out of attending. Airbnb’s broad accommodation offerings help reduce travel costs and enable wider demographic participation, from solo travelers to families and large groups.
Additionally, Airbnb and FIFA have pledged to include underrepresented communities in the hosting ecosystem, amplifying the voices and participation of diverse cultural groups.
Technology Integration and Booking Innovation
Airbnb is working alongside FIFA’s digital team to build a customized booking experience embedded within official FIFA digital platforms. This includes:
Event-specific booking portals
Localized recommendations based on match locations
Seamless integration with FIFA ticketing systems
The aim is to streamline planning and create a single-user journey for accommodations and match attendance.
Impact on Major Events: FIFA World Cup 2026™
The FIFA World Cup 2026™, hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, will serve as the first major test of this global partnership. With 48 national teams competing in 16 cities, demand for accommodations will be unprecedented.
Airbnb will act as a decentralized housing infrastructure, supporting fans in:
Los Angeles, New York, Toronto, Mexico City, and beyond
Rural and suburban areas near major match sites
Flexible long-stay options for volunteers and staff
This model not only maximizes access but also distributes the tourism economy beyond urban centers.
Aligning Values: Sustainability, Legacy, and Equity
Both organizations are committed to advancing sustainability, inclusivity, and long-term impact. Airbnb’s model aligns with FIFA’s Sustainability Strategy, emphasizing:
Minimized carbon footprints through local stays
Community enrichment via micro-entrepreneurship
Event legacy building through local investment
This partnership isn’t just about tournament logistics; it’s about redefining how the world experiences football.
Long-Term Vision: A Global Sports Travel Ecosystem
The Airbnb-FIFA partnership sets the foundation for a new global ecosystem around sports travel, where community-based accommodation and immersive local experiences become central to every tournament. Future activations will likely include:
FIFA Club World Cups
Youth and Women’s tournaments
Virtual fan engagement via Airbnb Experiences
This multi-tournament alliance between Airbnb and FIFA signals a transformative shift in how fans travel, engage, and connect around the world’s most watched sporting events. It champions inclusivity, economic opportunity, and digital innovation, setting a new benchmark for global partnerships in the realm of sports and tourism.
As we move closer to FIFA World Cup 2026™, all eyes are on how this visionary collaboration will enhance the fan experience, uplift communities, and shape the future of global football hospitality.