World Cup 2026 Vacation Rentals: Host City Guide

Quick answer: The 2026 World Cup ran from June 11 to July 19, 2026, across the US, Canada and Mexico. AirDNA estimates it added $276.7 million in short-term rental revenue in the 16 host cities. Most of the gain came from higher nightly rates, not more booked nights, and occupancy fell in 12 of the 16 markets as new listings flooded in.

This is an archive post. The tournament is over, and this page records what happened for vacation rental hosts.

Key Takeaways

• Short-term rental revenue in the 16 host cities was $1.33 billion between June 10 and July 19, 26% more than the same period in 2025 (AirDNA).

• Higher nightly rates brought in about 84% of the extra revenue, and extra booked nights about 16%.

• Occupancy fell in 12 of the 16 host markets, because new supply grew faster than demand.

• Smaller host markets saw the biggest percentage growth. The largest cities saw the biggest dollar gains.

• Some guests stayed one to three hours away from stadiums to save money, which sent bookings to towns outside the host cities.

The tournament in brief

The 2026 World Cup was the first one co-hosted by three countries: the United States, Canada and Mexico. It had 48 teams. The opening match was played at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City on June 11, and the final at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on July 19.

What happened to rental revenue in host cities

AirDNA's recap, published July 22, 2026, estimates that the tournament added $276.7 million in short-term rental revenue across the 16 host cities.

The biggest dollar gains were in Miami ($42.7 million), Los Angeles ($32.7 million), Dallas-Fort Worth ($26 million) and the New York, Jersey City and Newark area ($22.8 million).

The biggest percentage gains were in smaller markets: Monterrey (+96%), Guadalajara (+91%) and Kansas City (+88%).

Higher rates, not fuller calendars

Higher average daily rates brought in $231.8 million of the extra revenue. More booked nights brought in $44.9 million. In 14 of the 16 markets, booked rates for match days and the night before rose by more than 20%.

Occupancy went the other way. It fell in 12 of the 16 host markets. In Kansas City, booked nights rose 20% but available nights rose 48%, so occupancy dropped 19%. Seattle and Vancouver saw occupancy fall about 15% year on year. These occupancy figures cover June 10 to July 7.

A big event raised what a booked night was worth, but it did not fill every calendar. Many hosts who listed for the first time competed for the same guests.

Demand reached beyond the host cities

Before the tournament, AirDNA reported guests booking one to three hours from match venues to keep costs down. It named Providence, Rhode Island; Columbia, Missouri; and Broken Bow Lake, Oklahoma, as markets with more demand linked to nearby matches. Hosts near a host city, not only in it, had a chance to benefit.

Lessons for the next big event

1. Price match days, not the whole month. Rates went up most on match days and the nights before. Set those dates higher and keep the days in between closer to normal so they still book.

2. Expect more competition. Supply grew fast in host cities. Your listing competes with every neighbor who lists for the event, so photos, reviews and clear house rules count for more.

3. Set minimum stays by date. Short minimum stays around match days help fill the gaps between games. See our guide on setting minimum stay requirements.

4. Look at the towns around the venue. Guests trading distance for price stayed up to a few hours away. If you host in a town like that, show the drive time to the stadium in your listing.

5. Put stadium distance and transit in your title and description. "12 minutes from the stadium by light rail" tells a fan more than "close to downtown."

6. Set up for groups. Event guests often travel in groups: enough beds, more than one bathroom, a kitchen stocked for a full house, outdoor space, a big TV and Wi-Fi with the speed listed.

7. Keep the guest after the event. More on vacation rental pricing strategy.

Frequently Asked Questions

When was the 2026 World Cup?

From June 11 to July 19, 2026, in the United States, Canada and Mexico. The final was played at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.

How much did vacation rental hosts earn from the 2026 World Cup?

AirDNA estimates that the tournament added $276.7 million in short-term rental revenue across the 16 host cities. Total revenue there was $1.33 billion from June 10 to July 19.

Did occupancy go up in host cities?

Mostly no. Occupancy fell in 12 of the 16 host markets because the number of listings grew faster than demand. Revenue rose mainly because of higher nightly rates.

Which host cities gained the most?

In dollars: Miami, Los Angeles, Dallas-Fort Worth and the New York/New Jersey area. In percentage terms: Monterrey, Guadalajara and Kansas City.

What should hosts do differently for the next big event?

Raise rates on event days rather than whole weeks, expect many new listings in your area, set minimum stays by date, and turn event guests into repeat direct bookings.

Ready for the next one?

Sources

• AirDNA, World Cup recap (22 July 2026)

• TravelDailyNews, "World Cup adds $276.7M to short-term rental revenue" (AirDNA data, 24 July 2026)

• TravelDailyNews, "AirDNA: World Cup demand spreads beyond host cities" (22 May 2026)

• FourFourTwo, tournament dates and final venue

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Last Updated: October 27, 2026