Airbnb Joins Forces with FIFA in Landmark Multi-Tournament Deal to Transform Fan Travel and Community Impact
Airbnb and FIFA have unveiled a groundbreaking global partnership that will span three of the world's most iconic football tournaments: the FIFA Club World Cup 2025™, the FIFA World Cup 26™, and the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027™. The multi-year agreement positions Airbnb as the Official Alternative Accommodation and Experiences Booking Platform for these flagship events, introducing an ambitious vision for fan travel, local economic development, and community engagement.
Under this alliance, Airbnb will not only provide a wide array of accommodations for traveling supporters, but also roll out exclusive cultural and football-focused experiences in Host Cities. Among the highlights are Airbnb Originals such as private training sessions with legendary goalkeeper Tim Howard and matchday experiences with US national team great Cobi Jones.
“The World Cup brings the world together — and so do we,” said Airbnb CEO Brian Chesky. “We’re proud to join FIFA in creating unforgettable experiences for fans and in delivering real economic value to Host Cities.”
FIFA President Gianni Infantino echoed this sentiment, saying: “These tournaments will shape football for years to come. Having a travel leader like Airbnb at our side is both exciting and meaningful. Together, we will use football to unite people across the globe.”
Elevating the Fan Experience
Beyond simply offering accommodation, Airbnb aims to redefine how fans experience major tournaments. Starting with the FIFA Club World Cup 2025™, fans can already book experiences that bring them closer to the sport than ever before. These include stepping onto the pitch with Tim Howard for an elite training session or gaining behind-the-scenes insights with FIFA’s Technical Study Group experts.
As the countdown continues to the FIFA World Cup 26™, the largest tournament in football history with 48 participating nations, Airbnb plans to scale these offerings further, blending local culture, tradition, and sport into a unified experience.
“Soccer has a way of creating unforgettable connections,” said Tim Howard. “Through Airbnb, I get to share my passion for the game in a way that’s personal and interactive. It’s not just about watching football — it’s about living it.”
Economic Boost for Host Cities
The partnership is expected to deliver a significant financial windfall to Host Cities, particularly during the FIFA World Cup 26. According to a study conducted by Deloitte and commissioned by Airbnb, more than 380,000 guests are projected to use Airbnb for accommodations, generating an estimated USD 3.6 billion in economic impact.
Hosts across the 16 Host Cities could collectively earn up to USD 210 million. Moreover, the spending by Airbnb guests and employees is forecast to support the equivalent of 34,000 full-time jobs in 2026 alone, with the economic benefits flowing to local businesses including restaurants, cafes, and small retailers outside traditional tourist zones.
“Houston is ready to welcome the world,” said Sébastien Long, a local Airbnb host. “Through this event, we’ll showcase our city’s rich cultural mix — from brisket tacos to Asian-style BBQ — while making sure the benefits touch every corner of our community.”
A $5 Million Commitment to Community Development
As part of its long-term commitment, Airbnb is also launching the Airbnb Host City Impact Program. This $5 million initiative will support targeted community-driven projects in collaboration with Host Cities, designed to foster inclusive economic growth and enhance the overall visitor experience.
By integrating accommodation with immersive cultural experiences and investing in local economies, Airbnb and FIFA are setting a new benchmark for what global sports partnerships can achieve — both on and off the pitch.
The FIFA Club World Cup 2025™ kicks off on Saturday, June 14, at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami. More Airbnb Experiences will be launched in the lead-up to the FIFA World Cup 26™ and the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027™.