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By Kristi Palma
Airbnb is offering bonus money to new hosts who help meet the demand for overnight accommodations this summer during the FIFA World Cup.
More than 380,000 soccer fans are expected to use Airbnb for stays during the World Cup this summer, according to the online marketplace for vacation rentals, so the demand in host cities is surging. Searches for stays in the 16 host cities across North America, which includes Boston, have increased by an average of 80% compared to the same period last year.
Airbnb will pay a $750 bonus to new hosts willing to rent out an entire home in specific event zones during the World Cup. The eligible event zone for Boston includes Providence and is made up of nearly 100 zip codes.
World Cup hosts could collectively earn up to $210 million, according to a Deloitte study commissioned by Airbnb, and the average earnings for each host will be $3,000. Boston hosts will be among the highest earning hosts with an average earnings of $5,200, second only to New York/New Jersey at $5,700.
“As the world’s biggest sporting event comes to North America, Airbnb is launching its biggest new host incentive ever,” said Dave Stephenson, chief business officer at Airbnb, in a statement. “Demand for World Cup stays on Airbnb is surging, giving residents of host cities the opportunity to boost their incomes by sharing their homes and the communities they love. There’s truly never been a better time to become a host on Airbnb.”
The World Cup matches will be played at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, temporarily rebranded as Boston Stadium for the tournament, between June 11 and July 19. Check out the full schedule here.
There are 11 host cities in the U.S., three in Mexico, and two in Canada.
Airbnb, the Official Fan Accommodation of the FIFA World Cup 2026, has set up resources for those interested in hosting during the World Cup. New hosts must welcome their first guests by July 31.
Kristi Palma is the travel writer for Boston.com, focusing on the six New England states. She covers airlines, hotels, and things to do across Boston and New England. She is the author of the award-winning Scenic Six, a weekly travel newsletter.
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