The basics:

• Airbnb named official partner for FIFA World Cup tournaments
• 2026 World Cup Final set for MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford
• Airbnb stays projected to add $288M GDP to local economy
• Special experiences include training with Tim Howard

As World Cup fever sweeps the U.S., and the great Garden State, FIFA and Airbnb joined forces on a major partnership that will span three tournaments.

Those competitions include the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup 2025 and FIFA World Cup 26. Both will take place in North America, with MetLife Stadium serving as a key match site, as well as hosting each Final. Additionally, the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027 will take place in South America.

Key things to know:

• Airbnb will serve as Official Alternative Accommodations and Experiences Booking Platform — as a FIFA Club World Cup 2025 Partner; and a FIFA World Cup 26 and FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027 Supporter
• Features include Airbnb Experiences – such as a private training session hosted by legendary American goalkeeper (and Jersey native) Tim Howard
• $5 million Host City Impact Program established by Airbnb to support initiatives that benefit local communities

A Deloitte study finds Airbnb hosts expect to welcome 25,000 guests to the region during the 2026 World Cup. That would provide:

• Estimated $288 million in gross domestic product (GDP) generated by travel on Airbnb in and around the region;
• Nearly $6,000 in supplemental income earned per stay by local hosts during the tournament; and
• Over 1,100 full-time equivalent jobs through 2026 supported by Airbnb guest spending during the tournament.

That study also looks at the economic impacts in the Philadelphia region, since Lincoln Financial Field will also serve as a host in the 2025 Club World Cup and 2026 World Cup, providing some ripples for South Jersey.

Overall, it is estimated that Airbnb stays during next year’s World Cup will contribute $3.6 billion to host city economics – with these areas collectively having the potential to earn up to $210 million.

Bringing fans together

“We’re delighted to welcome Airbnb to FIFA, and we’re thrilled that it is taking on such a key role in three groundbreaking tournaments coming up,” said FIFA President Gianni Infantino. “The FIFA Club World Cup 2025 will be a defining competition for generations to come and will reshape club football. Meanwhile, the FIFA World Cup 26 will be the biggest tournament in history, with 48 teams competing across three host nations.

“Then one year later, the FIFA Women’s World will be held in South America for the first time. Having a travel leader such as Airbnb by our side is special. Together, we’ll continue to see football unite the world.”

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A post shared by Gianni Infantino – FIFA President (@gianni_infantino)

Brian Chesky, Airbnb co-founder and CEO, said that the World Cup brings the world together – and so does Airbnb.

“Airbnb is proud to partner with FIFA to offer fans once-in-a-lifetime experiences during the tournaments – while welcoming hundreds of thousands of guests during the 2026 FIFA World Cup and driving meaningful economic impact for local communities,” said Chesky.

Howard, who hails from North Brunswick, said that football has the power to bring people together in unforgettable ways.

“Partnering with Airbnb and FIFA to offer the experience of a private training session has been incredibly special,” said Howard. It’s a chance to share my love for the game and connect with fans in a hands-on, meaningful way. They won’t just be watching from the stands, they’ll step onto the pitch, get a behind-the-scenes look at pro training, and experience the sport from a whole new perspective.”

The Club World Cup kicks off June 14. MetLife Stadium will host nine matches total – with the first taking place June 15, featuring SE Palmeiras vs. FC Porto; and culminating in the Final July 13 in East Rutherford.