Airbnb and FIFA have officially announced a significant three-year partnership, aiming to deliver unparalleled travel experiences for football fans globally while simultaneously creating substantial economic opportunities for local communities and providing vital support to Host Cities. This comprehensive collaboration will see Airbnb serving as an Official Partner for the FIFA Club World Cup 2025™, an Official Supporter for the FIFA World Cup 26™ in North America, and an Official Supporter for the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027 in the Americas. A key component of this alliance is the provision of Official Fan Accommodation directly on Airbnb’s platform for these three flagship FIFA tournaments, ensuring fans have access to a wide range of affordable and high-quality places to stay.

Both leaders expressed enthusiasm for the partnership. Brian Chesky, Airbnb co-founder and CEO, highlighted that "The World Cup brings the world together — and so do we." He emphasized Airbnb’s pride in offering "once-in-a-lifetime experiences" and driving meaningful economic impact, expecting to welcome hundreds of thousands of guests during the 2026 FIFA World Cup alone. FIFA President Gianni Infantino echoed this sentiment, stating his delight in welcoming Airbnb to FIFA and acknowledging its crucial role in the upcoming groundbreaking tournaments. He underscored the historical significance of these events: the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 is set to reshape club football, the FIFA World Cup 26 will be the largest tournament ever with 48 teams across three host nations, and the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027 will mark its first time in South America. Infantino concluded that having a travel leader like Airbnb by FIFA's side will further help football unite the world.

Beyond accommodation, the partnership promises unique travel and football experiences, allowing fans to celebrate their passion through travel, culture, and connection. Guests can now explore Airbnb Experiences led by locals, showcasing regional traditions, hidden gems, and the distinct spirit of the Host Cities. These offerings include immersive cultural activities and opportunities to engage with football legends and experts through Airbnb Originals. Examples already available for booking during the FIFA Club World Cup 2025, which commences on June 14 at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, include private training sessions with American goalkeeping icon Tim Howard, watching a game alongside fellow US national-team legend Cobi Jones, or getting behind-the-scenes insights from a senior expert on FIFA’s Technical Study Group. Many more experiences are slated for release ahead of the FIFA World Cup 26 and FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027.

The partnership is poised to generate significant economic impact for local communities. With less than a year remaining until the FIFA World Cup 26, a record number of fans are anticipated. A Deloitte study projects that over 380,000 Airbnb guests are expected to travel for this event alone, including more than 150,000 from the United States. This represents an unprecedented opportunity for Host City economies, with Airbnb stays during the tournament expected to contribute an estimated $3.6 billion. Across the 16 Host Cities, Airbnb hosts could collectively earn up to $210 million, highlighting the substantial financial benefits. Furthermore, Airbnb's activity is forecasted to generate the equivalent of nearly 34,000 full-time jobs over the course of 2026. This economic benefit extends beyond direct host earnings, as Airbnb stays typically disperse tourism-related expenditure into local coffee shops, restaurants, and small businesses in neighborhoods that often lack traditional tourist infrastructure, fostering lasting community investment. Sébastien Long, an Airbnb host in Houston, exemplified this by highlighting how hosts can help ensure the economic benefits are felt across the entire community.

Further reinforcing its commitment to local economies, Airbnb will introduce the Airbnb 2026 Host City Impact Program. This is a separate, targeted $5 million investment specifically for the FIFA World Cup 26. This dedicated community support program will involve close collaboration with cities to fund select initiatives aimed at fostering economic growth and enhancing the overall event experience for both residents and visitors.