How to rent your house for the 2026 World Cup: Complete landlord's guide

For the first time since 1994, the FIFA World Cup is coming to the United States in 2026.

Those who don't watch soccer may not fully grasp how big of a deal this is. The World Cup is the biggest sporting event in the world; an estimated 1.42 billion people watched the 2022 final between Argentina and France, according to a report. That's nearly 18 percent of the Earth's population. It's also 7 times more than the amount of people who watched the 2025 Super Bowl.

From June 11 to July 19 across 16 North American cities, 48 nations will compete for world soccer supremacy – and fans from all across the globe will be traveling into the US in droves, creating unprecedented demand for short-term rentals. If you own property near any host city, there will be a major opportunity to rent your property for 2-10x your normal rates, depending on the tournament phase and location.

It wouldn't be crazy to say this could be the biggest STR event in American history – but landlords need to be prepared to properly capitalize. In this guide we will walk you through the whole process, including pricing strategies, stadium locations with transportation details, and the legal requirements for renting your house during the World Cup 2026.

What the data shows: World Cup pricing increases from previous tournaments

Before we dive into the 2026 World Cup schedule and locations, let's talk about what happened during previous tournaments, because the numbers are staggering.

During the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, Airbnb rental prices jumped 112% on average. Properties that typically rented for around $34,000 per month suddenly commanded $72,000 during the tournament. In some luxury areas like The Pearl district in Doha, monthly rentals reached as high as $300,000. Even basic one-bedroom apartments were listing for over $1,000 per night.

Hotels in Qatar saw even more dramatic increases. Average daily rates peaked at $1,312 during opening week, representing a tenfold increase over normal rates. Five-star hotels averaged $1,596 per night during the games, while four-star properties reached $1,007 per night. This represented a 463% price increase compared to the previous year.

The 2018 World Cup in Russia showed similar patterns. In Moscow, hotel prices tripled during the tournament, with average daily rates reaching about $227 compared to roughly $74 in normal periods. Airbnb hosts in Russia welcomed almost 300,000 guests during just one month and collectively earned $40 million. Individual Moscow landlords raised their prices by 150-300% for the tournament.

For the 2026 World Cup in North America, early data is already showing massive demand. In Los Angeles, Airbnb rates have jumped 56% for World Cup dates, with some properties near SoFi Stadium seeing 1,000% price increases. One Inglewood rental that normally costs around $1,000 for two nights is now priced at over $10,000 for the opening U.S. match on June 12. More than 70% of short-term rentals in Inglewood have already booked for that date, which is a 58% increase compared to typical reservation rates.

Understanding the 2026 FIFA World Cup schedule

The 2026 World Cup runs from June 11 through July 19, 2026. Unlike previous tournaments held in a single country, this World Cup spans three nations (the United States, Canada and Mexico) and 16 cities. The tournament features 104 total matches with 48 teams competing.

Here's what makes this schedule particularly important for landlords: the tournament structure creates multiple opportunities for extended stays in some cities, while others will see concentrated bursts of demand.

Group stage matches (June 11-27)

The group stage includes 72 matches over 17 days across all 16 host cities. Teams play three matches typically spaced 3-5 days apart, meaning fans book 5-10 day stays to catch multiple games. Cities like Los Angeles host matches on June 12, 15, 18, 21, and 25, creating opportunities for week-long or two-week bookings that are far more profitable than 2-3 night turnovers.

Knockout rounds (June 28-July 19)

The tournament narrows through round of 32 (June 28-July 3), round of 16 (July 4-7), quarter-finals (July 9-11), semi-finals (July 14-15), and the final on July 19. As the tournament progresses, matches concentrate in fewer cities, driving higher nightly rates. Cities hosting semi-finals and the final will see the highest rates of the entire tournament.

Weekday vs. weekend games

Matches run daily from June 11-27, including weekdays, which means you can charge premium rates seven days a week, not just weekends. Games are staggered throughout each day at noon, 3pm, 6pm, and 9pm local time, allowing fans to attend multiple matches or travel between nearby venues.

Complete breakdown of World Cup 2026 locations and stadiums

The 2026 World Cup will be played at 16 venues across North America. Understanding each stadium's location, neighborhood, and transportation options is critical for marketing your rental and setting the right price.

Los Angeles: SoFi Stadium (Inglewood)

‍

SoFi Stadium in Inglewood hosts 8 World Cup matches, including two U.S. group stage games.

• June 12: USA v Paraguay
• June 15: Iran v New Zealand
• June 18: Switzerland v UEFA Winner A
• June 21: Belgium v Iran
• June 25: UEFA Winner C v USA
• June 25: Paraguay v Australia
• July 2: Group B Winners v Group E/F/G/I/J 3rd Place
• July 2: Group H Winners v Group J Runners Up

The stadium sits just minutes from LAX airport with excellent Metro access. Public transportation includes the free SoFi Stadium shuttle from LAX/Metro Transit Center (C Line and K Line), with buses running every 3-5 minutes starting three hours before kickoff. Metro bus lines 115, 117, and 212 also serve the area year-round. Public transport in LA is notoriously inconsistent, though, so expect a lot of drivers.

Properties in Inglewood, South LA, Santa Monica, or Long Beach will see strong demand. The proximity to LAX means international fans will seek accommodations near the airport, making properties along the C Line and K Line extremely valuable. Los Angeles will attract fans from Mexico, England, Brazil, Argentina, and massive U.S. support. Properties within a 30-minute commute of SoFi should implement 3-5 night minimums to maximize revenue. Learn more about California short-term rental insurance and Los Angeles short-term rental regulations.

New York/New Jersey: MetLife Stadium (East Rutherford)

‍

MetLife Stadium hosts 8 matches including the final on July 19, 2026.

• June 15: France v Senegal
• June 16: IC Winner 2 v Norway
• June 22: Norway v Senegal
• June 22: France v IC Winner 2
• June 25: Ecuador v Germany
• June 27: Panama v England
• June 30: Match 77 Winner v Match 74 Winner (Round of 32)
• July 19: FINAL

Located in East Rutherford, New Jersey, the stadium sits in the Meadowlands Sports Complex, about 7 miles west of Manhattan across the Hudson River.

Public transportation via NJ Transit is excellent: take any train from Penn Station in Manhattan to Secaucus Junction (about 10 minutes), then transfer to a direct shuttle train to Meadowlands Station at the stadium. NJ Transit runs trains every 15 minutes during peak periods. Coach USA also operates bus service (Route 351) from Port Authority directly to the stadium. While there are lots of public transport options, guests should expect congestion and delays, especially for the final match on July 19.

Properties in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, Hoboken, Jersey City, and along the NJ Transit corridor will see strong demand. The final match on July 19 will create the single highest nightly rates of the entire tournament—landlords should implement 5-7 night minimums for the final week. New York draws international fans from every competing nation, with particularly strong interest from England, France, Spain, Germany, Argentina, and Brazil. Review New York and NYC short-term rental insurance options if you're listing a property on the other side of the river.

Dallas: AT&T Stadium (Arlington)

‍

AT&T Stadium in Arlington hosts 9 World Cup matches, the most of any venue.

• June 14: Netherlands v Japan
• June 17: England v Croatia
• June 22: Argentina v Austria
• June 23: Portugal v Uzbekistan
• June 25: Japan v UEFA Winner B
• June 27: Croatia v Ghana
• June 27: Jordan v Argentina
• June 30: Match 78 Winner v Match 76 Winner (Round of 32)
• July 6: Match 93 Winner v Match 94 Winner (Quarter-final)

Located between Dallas and Fort Worth about 15 miles west of downtown Dallas, the stadium is directly off I-30. Transportation is primarily by car, though Trinity Metro offers enhanced bus service from downtown Fort Worth and several park-and-ride locations during major events.

Properties in Arlington, Dallas, Fort Worth, and suburbs like Irving, Grapevine, and Plano will benefit. Given the car-dependent nature of DFW, landlords should highlight parking availability in listings. Properties within 20 minutes of the stadium or near major highways (I-30, I-35, I-20) will command premium rates. Dallas draws significant interest from Mexican fans and U.S. supporters, with strong turnout for Latin American teams.

‍Dallas' short-term rental laws and regulations are reasonable for landlords, and Texas as a whole is a landlord-friendly state. There is a significant opportunity for landlords in the DFW area. You can get a short-term rental insurance quote on your Texas property here.

Miami: Hard Rock Stadium (Miami Gardens)

‍

Hard Rock Stadium hosts 7 matches including one semi-final on July 18.

• June 13: Saudi Arabia v Uruguay
• June 21: Uruguay v Cape Verde
• June 24: Scotland v Brazil
• June 27: Algeria v Austria
• July 3: Match 86 Winner v Match 88 Winner (Round of 16)
• July 11: Match 99 Winner v Match 100 Winner (Quarter-final)
• July 18: Third Place Match

Located in Miami Gardens about 15 miles north of downtown Miami, the stadium is accessible primarily by car via I-95 or Florida's Turnpike. Miami-Dade Transit operates special express bus service during major events from various park-and-ride locations.

Properties in Miami Beach, Brickell, Coral Gables, Coconut Grove, and Fort Lauderdale will see strong demand. Miami's appeal for international fans—especially Latin American travelers—cannot be overstated. Waterfront properties and those with pools will command the highest premiums. The semi-final match on July 18 will create extraordinary demand. Landlords should implement 4-7 night minimums, or even 10+ nights for the knockout stage when fewer cities host matches.

Atlanta: Mercedes-Benz Stadium (Downtown)

‍

Mercedes-Benz Stadium hosts 8 matches including one semi-final on July 15.

• June 14: Spain v Cape Verde
• June 18: UEFA Winner D v South Africa
• June 21: Spain v Saudi Arabia
• June 24: Morocco v Haiti
• July 1: Match 80 Winner v Match 79 Winner (Round of 32)
• July 7: Match 95 Winner v Match 96 Winner (Round of 16)
• July 15: Semi-final
• July 19: FINAL (at MetLife Stadium)

The stadium is located in downtown Atlanta, making it one of the most accessible venues via public transit. MARTA rail serves the stadium directly with stations at Vine City, GWCC/CNN Center, and Georgia State. Multiple bus routes also connect to the stadium. The downtown location means walkability from many properties in the central business district, Midtown, and nearby neighborhoods.

Properties within walking distance of MARTA stations will be highly valuable. Neighborhoods like Midtown, Buckhead, Virginia-Highland, and suburbs with good highway access will see demand. Atlanta's Hartsfield-Jackson Airport is the world's busiest, making the city a natural hub for international fans. The semi-final on July 15 creates a massive pricing opportunity.

Philadelphia: Lincoln Financial Field (South Philadelphia)

‍

Lincoln Financial Field hosts 6 matches during the group stage.

• June 14: Ivory Coast v Ecuador
• June 19: Brazil v Haiti
• June 20: Ecuador v Curaçao
• June 25: Curaçao v Ivory Coast
• July 4: Match 89 Winner v Match 77 Winner (Round of 16)
• July 9: Match 97 Winner v Match 90 Winner (Quarter-final)

Located in the South Philadelphia Sports Complex about 3 miles south of Center City, the stadium is accessible via Philadelphia's SEPTA system. The Broad Street Line (orange) runs directly to NRG Station at the sports complex, and multiple bus routes also serve the area.

Properties in Center City, University City, Old City, and neighborhoods like Fishtown and Graduate Hospital will appeal to visitors. The city's walkability and public transit make properties near subway stations particularly valuable. Review Pennsylvania insurance options and Philadelphia short-term rental regulations.

Houston: NRG Stadium (South Houston)

‍

NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas hosts 7 matches.

• June 14: Germany v Curaçao
• June 17: Portugal v IC Winner 1
• June 20: Netherlands v UEFA Winner B
• June 23: Portugal v Uzbekistan
• June 26: Cape Verde v Saudi Arabia
• June 29: Match 76 Winner v Match 78 Winner (Round of 32)
• July 4: Match 73 Winner v Match 75 Winner (Round of 16)

Located in South Houston near the Texas Medical Center, the stadium is accessible via several major highways including I-610, I-69, and Highway 288. Houston Metro operates enhanced bus service during major events, with routes from downtown and various park-and-ride locations. The METRORail Red Line serves the Texas Medical Center area with shuttle connections to the stadium.

Properties throughout Houston—from downtown to the Galleria area to Clear Lake near NASA—will see demand. Houston's sprawling nature means highlighting parking and highway access is crucial. The city's significant Hispanic population and proximity to Mexico mean strong attendance from Mexican and Latin American fans.

Boston: Gillette Stadium (Foxborough, MA)

‍

Gillette Stadium hosts 7 matches.

• June 13: Haiti v Scotland
• June 16: IC Winner 2 v Norway
• June 19: Scotland v Morocco
• June 23: England v Ghana
• June 26: Norway v France
• June 26: Senegal v IC Winner 2
• June 29: Match 74 Winner v Match 77 Winner (Round of 32)

While the Massachusetts suburb is closely associated with Boston, it is a bit farther out from the city than the rest of the World Cup host stadiums.

Located in Foxborough about 25 miles southwest of Boston, the stadium has limited public transit. MBTA commuter rail offers gameday service to Foxborough Station (10-minute walk), but most fans drive or use shuttles.

Properties throughout greater Boston, Cambridge, and suburbs along I-95 and I-495 will benefit. The limited transit creates opportunities for properties closer to the stadium in Foxborough, Walpole, Mansfield, and Attleboro. Highlighting parking availability is essential.

San Francisco Bay Area: Levi's Stadium (Santa Clara)

‍

Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara hosts 6 matches.

• June 13: Qatar v Switzerland
• June 16: Austria v Jordan
• June 19: UEFA Winner C v Paraguay
• June 22: Jordan v Algeria
• June 25: Paraguay v Australia
• June 26: Egypt v Iran

And while it may host the "San Francisco" 49ers, it's not exactly located in San Francisco. Located about 40 miles south, the stadium is actually much closer to San Jose.

For most Bay Area guests and residents, the stadium is still accessible via Caltrain and VTA light rail. Caltrain runs from San Francisco to Mountain View or Santa Clara station, where fans connect to VTA light rail (Green Line) to Great America station, steps from the stadium. The combined journey from San Francisco takes about 90 minutes. Driving takes 45-60 minutes depending on traffic.

Properties throughout the Bay Area—from San Francisco to San Jose to East Bay cities like Oakland—will see demand. Properties near Caltrain or BART stations are particularly valuable for tech-savvy visitors who research transit options.

Seattle: Lumen Field (Downtown)

‍

Lumen Field hosts 6 matches.

• June 16: Belgium v Egypt
• June 19: USA v Australia
• June 21: New Zealand v Egypt
• June 24: Switzerland v Canada
• June 24: UEFA Winner A v Qatar
• June 26: New Zealand v Belgium

Located in Seattle's SoDo district just south of downtown, the stadium is highly accessible via public transit. Sound Transit Link light rail serves Stadium Station directly adjacent to Lumen Field. Multiple bus routes also connect to the area, and the stadium is walkable from Pioneer Square and downtown Seattle neighborhoods.

Properties in downtown Seattle, Capitol Hill, Queen Anne, Fremont, and along the light rail corridor (including SeaTac airport area) will attract visitors. Seattle's progressive transit system makes properties near Link stations especially valuable.

Kansas City: Arrowhead Stadium

‍

Arrowhead Stadium hosts 6 matches.

• June 16: Argentina v Algeria
• June 19: Ecuador v Curaçao
• June 25: Tunisia v Netherlands
• June 27: Algeria v Austria
• July 3: Match 87 Winner v Match 85 Winner (Round of 32)
• July 11: Match 95 Winner v Match 96 Winner (Quarter-final)

Located in eastern Kansas City, Missouri in the Truman Sports Complex near I-70, the stadium is primarily accessible by car. Special bus service operates during major events from downtown Kansas City. The stadium is easily accessible via I-70, I-435, and other major highways.

Properties throughout Kansas City on both the Missouri and Kansas sides will see demand. The city's central U.S. location makes it accessible for domestic travelers, and the passionate soccer culture means strong local and regional attendance. Highlight parking availability and proximity to highways.

Note: While the 2026 World Cup also includes matches in Toronto, Vancouver, Mexico City, Guadalajara, and Monterrey, Steadily provides short-term rental insurance exclusively for U.S.-based landlords. This guide focuses on opportunities in the 11 U.S. host cities.

How to price your short term rental for the World Cup 2026

Now that you understand the historical data, tournament schedule, and stadium locations, let's get into the specifics of how to actually price and manage your property during the World Cup.

Dynamic pricing strategy by tournament phase

Group stage (June 11-27): Implement 2-3x your normal nightly rate as a baseline. Properties within 30 minutes of stadiums should start at 3-4x normal rates. Adjust based on which teams are playing; matches featuring Brazil, England, Argentina, or the U.S. warrant additional 20-30% premiums. Group stage matches are the only ones where the competitors can be predicted ahead of time; the U.S. has two group stage matches between June 12 and June 25 in Los Angeles, so those with properties near SoFi Stadium can significantly raise prices in that span.

Round of 32 (June 28-July 3): Price at 3-4x normal rates as your baseline. Here's the challenge: matchups won't be determined until the group stage ends on June 27, just 1-2 days before these games begin. Most properties will already be booked by fans who purchased tickets speculatively or who are staying in your city regardless of which teams play. Set your rates assuming strong teams will advance, because properties with last-minute availability can charge massive premiums to desperate fans whose teams made it through.

Round of 16 and quarter-finals (July 4-11): Charge 4-5x normal rates. By this stage, only elite teams remain with the wealthiest and most passionate fans. However, the same booking challenge applies; fans won't know matchups until days before. Your best strategy is to book longer stays (7-10 nights) during this period at premium rates, capturing fans who plan to attend multiple knockout matches regardless of specific opponents. Last-minute availability can command 6-8x normal rates as fans scramble when their team advances.

Semi-finals (July 14-15): Price at 5-7x normal rates. Only two cities host semi-finals: Dallas (AT&T Stadium) on July 14 and Atlanta (Mercedes-Benz Stadium) on July 15. Miami hosts the third-place match on July 18. These cities will see extraordinary demand, but again, matchups won't be known until July 11-12. Properties should be booked well in advance with premium pricing. Any last-minute inventory can command 8-10x rates or more.

The final (July 19 in New York/New Jersey): For properties near MetLife Stadium or anywhere in the greater NYC area, charge 7-10x your normal rate minimum. This is the single biggest sporting event in the world. While fans won't know which teams are playing until July 15, the final always sells out and draws wealthy international travelers. Properties that normally rent for $200/night can legitimately charge $2,000-3,000+ for the final weekend. Implement 7-10 night minimums for the week leading up to the final to maximize revenue and capture fans arriving early.

Minimum stay requirements

Implement minimum stays to reduce turnover costs and maximize revenue:

• Group stage: 3-5 night minimum. If your city hosts matches 3-4 days apart, a 5-night minimum captures guests attending multiple matches.
• Knockout rounds: 5-7 night minimum. Fans often follow their team through multiple matches or combine soccer with vacation.
• Semi-finals and final: 7-10 night minimum. Fans arrive days early and stay after to celebrate.

A property booked for 10 consecutive nights at $800/night ($8,000 total) beats three separate 2-night bookings at $1,000/night ($6,000 total) after accounting for cleaning fees and gap nights.

Additional fees and deposits

World Cup guests require different fee structures than typical short-term renters:

Cleaning fees: Charge 50-100% more than normal. Large groups celebrating big matches create more wear and tear.

Security deposits: Increase to $500-1,000 minimum. International guests celebrating (or mourning) match results can be unpredictable. Make this refundable to incentivize good behavior.

Extra guest fees: Charge $50-100 per additional guest beyond your base capacity. Soccer fans often try to squeeze in extra people, and you should be compensated.

Early check-in/late checkout: Make these available for a premium ($100-200). International travelers arriving from long flights will pay for convenience.

Using dynamic pricing tools

Airbnb's Smart Pricing and similar tools from Vrbo can help, but they often undervalue your property during major events. Consider these tools as a baseline, but be prepared to manually override them upward for World Cup dates. Your local knowledge of which matches are in your city and which teams are playing is worth more than any algorithm.

‍

Read more: VRBO vs. Airbnb for landlords

‍

Preparing your property for World Cup guests

Renting your house during the World Cup requires different preparation than normal short-term rental operations. These guests have different needs and expectations.

Essential amenities for World Cup travelers

Reliable, fast Wi-Fi: International guests need to stream matches, video call home, and navigate using maps. Advertise your internet speed prominently.

Smart TV with streaming capabilities: Fans want to watch other matches while they're not at the stadium. Make sure your TV can access major sports streaming services.

Air conditioning: June and July are hot in most U.S. host cities. AC is non-negotiable for guests paying premium rates.

Parking (for car-dependent cities): In Dallas, Houston, Kansas City, and other car-centric cities, dedicated parking is essential. In cities with good public transit, parking is still valuable but less critical.

Multiple bathrooms: Groups attending the World Cup want properties with at least 1.5 bathrooms, preferably 2+.

Kitchen facilities: International guests often prefer to cook some meals, especially if they're staying for a week or more. A well-equipped kitchen adds significant value.

Transportation information and local guides

Create a comprehensive local guide that includes:

• Detailed directions to the stadium via public transit, with maps and timing
• Ride-share pickup/dropoff locations near the stadium
• Parking options and costs near the stadium
• Recommended sports bars showing matches
• Local restaurants, grocery stores, and pharmacies
• Emergency contacts and basic health care information

Legal requirements and insurance for renting your house during major events

Before listing your property for the World Cup, address legal and insurance requirements. Failing to do so can result in fines, policy cancellations, or uncovered claims worth tens of thousands of dollars.

Short-term rental regulations and permits

Every host city has different short-term rental regulations. Many require specific permits, licenses, or registration before you can legally operate, with fines reaching thousands of dollars per violation. Research your city's requirements well in advance—many permit applications take 30-90 days to process. Cities like Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco, and Boston have particularly strict rules.

Why you need proper short-term rental insurance

Your standard homeowners or landlord insurance policy may NOT cover short-term rental activity. During major events like the World Cup, risks multiply with international travelers, large groups, and celebration-related incidents. Proper short-term rental insurance includes property damage coverage, liability protection, loss of income coverage, and business personal property protection. Read our ultimate guide to short-term rental insurance to understand your coverage options.

‍

Steadily covers short-term rentals. Quote your property for free now:

‍

Marketing your property for the World Cup

Having your property properly priced and prepared is only half the battle. You need to market it effectively to reach international World Cup attendees.

Optimize your listing title and description

Your listing title should immediately communicate value to World Cup travelers. Examples:

• "Spacious 3BR Near MetLife Stadium – Perfect for World Cup Final!"
• "Walking Distance to SoFi Stadium | World Cup Ready | Sleeps 8"
• "Atlanta Midtown Condo on MARTA | 15min to World Cup Matches"

In your description, prominently feature:

• Distance and transit time to the stadium
• Public transportation directions
• Parking availability
• Sleeping capacity and bathroom count
• Smart TV and Wi-Fi speed
• Local sports bars and restaurants

International guests search using terms like "World Cup stay," "near stadium," "metro access," and specific team names. Incorporate these naturally into your description.

Professional photography

Guests paying $500-2,000+ per night expect professional photos showing bright, clean spaces with natural light. Include photos of all bedrooms, bathrooms, kitchen, living areas, outdoor spaces, and parking.

List on multiple platforms

Don't limit yourself to just Airbnb. List on Vrbo, Booking.com, and other platforms to maximize exposure. Different nationalities prefer different booking platforms, and international travelers may not default to Airbnb.

Start marketing early

Sophisticated World Cup attendees book accommodations 6-12 months in advance. Your calendar should be open and priced for World Cup dates by January 2026 at the latest, ideally sooner. Early bookers tend to be more organized, less price-sensitive, and more likely to be attending multiple matches (meaning longer stays).

‍

Managing your World Cup bookings

Communication with international guests

Set up automated messages for booking confirmation, pre-arrival directions, check-in confirmation, and check-out instructions. Keep messages clear with bullet points and simple language. Consider translating key information into Spanish, Portuguese, French, and German.

Check-in flexibility and house rules

Offer flexible check-in times or 24-hour self-check-in for international travelers dealing with long flights. Charge $100-200 for early check-in or late checkout. Be clear about noise policies, quiet hours, smoking rules, and whether guests can host watch parties. Properties allowing some flexibility on gatherings can charge premium rates.

Cancellation policies

Implement a strict cancellation policy for World Cup bookings. Given the massive demand and premium pricing, you should be able to re-book if someone cancels. Some hosts allow cancellations up to 60 days before check-in, then switch to strict policies to protect against last-minute cancellations when teams get eliminated.

Frequently asked questions

What if my city has short-term rental restrictions?

Every host city has different regulations, and many require specific permits or licenses to operate legally. Research your local requirements immediately and apply for necessary permits well in advance—some take 30-90 days to process. Operating without proper authorization can result in fines worth thousands of dollars. Check our state- and city-specific guides for detailed information on local regulations.

Which countries will bring the most tourists?

The U.S., England, Brazil, Argentina, and Mexico will generate the highest demand and pay the most premium rates. Other strong markets include Germany, France, Spain, Portugal, and Netherlands. Fans from these countries typically book early, stay longer, and are less price-sensitive than tourists from other nations.

Can I rent my property if I don't live near a stadium?

Yes, but your pricing and marketing need to be different. Properties within 30-60 minutes of stadiums via public transit or car can still attract guests, especially if traditional hotel rooms near stadiums are sold out. Highlight your proximity to transit, parking availability, and value compared to stadium-area hotels. Properties in tourist-friendly neighborhoods with good transport links will do well even if they're not next to the venue.

What happens if my property gets damaged?

This is why proper landlord insurance coverage is critical. With appropriate short-term rental insurance, your property damage coverage should handle repairs beyond normal wear and tear. Also collect substantial security deposits ($500-1,000) from all World Cup guests, and document your property's condition with photos before and after each stay. Airbnb and Vrbo also offer host guarantee programs, though these have limitations and should not replace proper insurance.

Can I refuse bookings from certain countries?

No. Fair housing laws and platform policies prohibit discrimination based on national origin, race, or ethnicity. You must accept bookings from all qualified guests regardless of what country they're from or what team they support. Violating these rules can result in fines, lawsuits, and being banned from rental platforms.

Final thoughts: preparing for the World Cup opportunity

The 2026 FIFA World Cup represents a once-in-a-lifetime income opportunity for landlords in the 16 host cities. Start early: research your local short-term rental regulations, obtain necessary permits, secure proper insurance coverage, and list your property by early 2026. The landlords who succeed treat this like a business opportunity—planning strategically, pricing aggressively, and executing professionally.

Whether you're a seasoned short-term rental operator or testing the waters for the first time, make sure you have all the legal and insurance pieces in place before accepting bookings. Protect your investment with proper short-term rental insurance, research your local permit requirements, and prepare for an incredible summer in 2026.