February 13, 2026 – Airbnb has unveiled the first wave of global travel trends for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, showcasing a surge in family and group bookings as fans plan their journeys to the 48 teams spectacle co-hosted by the USA, Canada, and Mexico.
Released on February 3, 2026, the data highlights early patterns from guest searches and bookings for match dates (June 11–July 19, 2026), compared to the same period in 2025.
The FIFA World Cup 2026 has sparked incredible global excitement, with ticket requests topping 500 million by the close of the initial random selection phase in January 2026.
This huge demand—averaging 15 million requests daily—shows just how much travel planning is changing for the expanded 48-team tournament across North America.
Airbnb Reveals Global Travel Trends – Families and Groups Drive Early Demand
According to Airbnb’s internal data, families and large groups are leading the charge, accounting for over half of all World Cup-related trips booked so far.
Around 75% of family bookings are for two- or three-bedroom listings, with many stays across host cities priced under $500 per night, emphasizing affordability amid rising ticket costs.
This trend reflects the tournament’s family-friendly appeal, with larger homes providing space for groups to gather and celebrate. Airbnb notes that this mirrors broader 2026 travel predictions, where group adventures and major events like the World Cup are top priorities.
These cities have the most family bookings:
- Los Angeles
- Miami
- San Francisco
- Seattle
- Vancouver
- Kansas City
Gen Z Fans: Traveling Far and Together
Gen Z travelers are making their mark, driving the vast majority of bookings with nearly half opting for group trips lasting three to five nights.
Cities like Los Angeles, Miami, and New York rank highest among this demographic, signaling a focus on urban hubs with vibrant nightlife and cultural experiences.
Airbnb attributes this to Gen Z’s preference for immersive, social travel, turning the World Cup into a multi-destination adventure.
“Gateway” Travel: Beyond the Matches
A key takeaway: International fans account for 70% of “gateway” travel, where visitors use host cities as a starting point to explore nearby areas.
Guests from the United States, United Kingdom, and Canada dominate searches for stays during match dates, often extending trips to nearby attractions like national parks or coastal spots. This aligns with Airbnb’s broader 2026 predictions, where outdoor escapes and short international getaways are rising trends.
Matches and Cities Generating the Most Buzz
Overall, searches spike for high-profile matches and venues in 2026 FIFA World Cup:
- U.S. cities like Atlanta, Dallas, and Miami lead in bookings.
- International interest focuses on the opener in Mexico City and the semifinals in Dallas/Atlanta.
- Affordable listings under $500/night are snapping up fast, with Airbnb projecting $1.2 billion in North American spending from guests.
Airbnb spokesperson Ali Killam shared: “Travel habits are evolving as more people look ahead to 2026… from short international getaways and outdoor escapes to major global events like the FIFA World Cup.”
Economic Impact and What It Means for Hosts
Airbnb’s Deloitte-commissioned study forecasts $1.2 billion in spending across North America, with hosts earning $212 million during the tournament. In New York/New Jersey, hosts could pocket an average of $5,700, the highest of any host city.
This underscores short-term rentals’ role in easing lodging pressures, especially with hotels sold out in many areas.
For fans, these trends suggest booking early—Airbnb listings in host cities are filling up, with 65% of top-searched dates tied to World Cup events.
How to Plan Your World Cup Trip with Airbnb Reveals Global Travel Trends
With the tournament five months away, use Airbnb’s data to strategize: Opt for group-friendly homes in gateway cities for value. For tickets, check FIFA.com amid ongoing sales.
Airbnb guests are projected to generate $3.6 billion for host city economies during the tournament.
Most In-Demand Matches in 2026 FIFA World Cup (Based on Airbnb Searches)
| Match Date | Matchup | Host City |
|---|---|---|
| June 11, 2026 | Mexico vs. South Africa | Mexico City, Mexico |
| June 13, 2026 | Haiti vs. Scotland | Boston, MA |
| June 13, 2026 | Brazil vs. Morocco | East Rutherford, NJ |
| June 16, 2026 | France vs. Senegal | East Rutherford, NJ |
| June 12, 2026 | USA vs. Paraguay | Los Angeles, CA |
AQ: Airbnb Reveals 2026 FIFA World Cup Travel Trends
What are the key travel trends for the 2026 FIFA World Cup according to Airbnb?
Airbnb’s data from February 2026 shows families and groups leading bookings (over 50%), with a focus on affordable, spacious homes under $500/night. Gen Z travelers dominate urban searches, and 70% of international bookings involve “gateway” trips exploring beyond host cities. This reflects a blend of event-focused and extended vacations.
Who is booking the most for the World Cup?
Families account for the majority of bookings, often choosing 2-3 bedroom listings for group stays. Gen Z is a close second, with nearly half opting for 3-5 night trips in cities like Los Angeles and Miami. Domestic travelers from the US, UK, and Canada lead searches, while international fans drive “gateway” extensions.
What is “gateway” travel, and why is it trending?
“Gateway” travel refers to using host cities as bases to explore nearby attractions, like national parks or coasts. It’s popular among 70% of international guests, extending trips for cultural immersion. Airbnb attributes this to the tournament’s North American setting, making it easy to combine matches with vacations.
Which cities and matches are seeing the highest demand?
U.S. cities like Atlanta, Dallas, Miami, Los Angeles, and New York top bookings, with surges for the opener in Mexico City and semifinals in Dallas/Atlanta. High-profile games like potential USA vs. Mexico clashes are driving interest, with 65% of searched dates tied to World Cup events.
What is the expected economic impact on hosts?
Airbnb’s Deloitte study projects $1.2 billion in total spending across North America, with hosts earning $212 million during the tournament. In New York/New Jersey, average host earnings could reach $5,700, highlighting short-term rentals’ role in boosting local economies.
How can I book an Airbnb for the World Cup?
Search on Airbnb.com using match dates and host cities. Book early as listings are filling fast—opt for group-friendly homes for value. Check for flexible cancellation policies amid any travel alerts, and pair with FIFA tickets for a seamless plan.
