Introducing one-of-a-kind fan experiences for FIFA World Cup 2026™

Key Takeaways

• Airbnb is offering fan experiences designed specifically for the FIFA World Cup 2026™.
  
  
• Experiences range from playing a match with a former pro in a FIFA World Cup 2026™ stadium, to customizing a jersey with an adidas design expert, to having ‘The Ultimate Quarter-Final Getaway’ hosted by football legend Rio Ferdinand.
  
  

With the FIFA World Cup 2026™ less than 50 days away, Airbnb is launching a series of curated experiences to unite fans and bring them closer than ever to the world’s biggest sporting event. From getting on the pitch with football legends, to customizing a FIFA World Cup 2026 kit with an adidas design expert, to getting VIP access to an exclusive soccer debate with legends, there is something unique for every fan.

For the first time in 30 years, football legend Rio Ferdinand will attend FIFA World Cup 2026™ purely as a fan. During the tournament he’ll be based in Los Angeles, and is inviting four lucky fans (and their plus ones) to join him for an unforgettable four-day experience, ‘The Ultimate Quarter-Final Getaway’*, which will include:

• Exclusive access to a live recording of the ‘Rio Ferdinand Presents’ podcast, where guests will go behind-the-scenes with Rio and his co-hosts
• Tickets to a FIFA World Cup 2026™ Quarter Final match in Los Angeles
• A private Airbnb stay in the heart of Los Angeles from July 8-11, 2026
• A private chef service and curated local experiences, where guests will uncover under-the-radar foodie spots, see the sights around LA, and dine with VIP treatment

“Football has been my life, and there’s no bigger stage than the FIFA World Cup”, said Rio Ferdinand, former England Captain. “This summer’s a big one with Airbnb. We’re all about bringing fans closer than ever, premium access, big moments, straight from the US. And for me, it’s something new – I’ll be experiencing a World Cup as a fan for the first time in over 30 years. I can’t wait to get started.”

Football fans can book ‘The Ultimate Quarter-Final Getaway’ free of charge starting May 12 at 5:00AM EDT at airbnb.com/rioferdinand, and will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis *. Four spots are available for a four-day trip (July 8–11, 2026), each bookable for one guest and a plus one.

Airbnb and FIFA have teamed up to offer one-of-a-kind experiences hosted by football legends and local experts. From custom kits, to playing a match on the pitch in the FIFA World Cup 2026 ™ Stadium, there’s an experience for every fan.

Customize a FIFA World Cup 26™ Jersey with adidas

This June, guests will get to step inside a rarely seen side of the game where culture, creativity and sports converge. Hosted by an Adidas designer of the FIFA World Cup 2026™ kits, fans will have the opportunity to customize an official jersey from this year’s lineup and learn the lore of iconic designs from past tournaments. The host will take them behind the designs of some of the game’s most iconic kits and share what it takes to bring them to life. Fans can book starting May 20 at 1:00PM EDT.

VIP Day of Unfiltered Soccer with Landon and Tim

Meet US soccer legends Landon Donovan and Tim Howard for an exclusive, behind-the-scenes experience during live recordings of their hit podcast, Unfiltered Soccer in Los Angeles, Dallas, and New York. Before the microphones turn on, guests will get the ultimate Unfiltered experience with Tim and Landon, featuring debate, rivalry, and candid conversation. Along the way, guests will hear insider stories and World Cup insights from two of the game’s greats, before settling in for the live podcast recording. Fans can book starting May 20 at 1:00PM EDT.

“At the height of world soccer, our exclusive Airbnb experience to celebrate the FIFA World Cup 2026 lets us open our doors to fans for a behind-the-scenes look into the Unfiltered Soccer podcast, sharing insider commentary and celebrating pivotal tournament moments together. We are incredibly grateful to be welcomed by these host city communities while traveling and staying on Airbnb and look forward to sharing this fan experience,” said Tim Howard and Landon Donovan, co-hosts of the Unfiltered Soccer podcast.

Train with Football Legends

In an unforgettable training experience with football legends, fans can take to the pitch in New York with former England International Ian Wright, or Los Angeles with former American International, and two-time FIFA Women’s World Cup™ champion, Christen Press. Fans will take part in guided drills, learning skills and techniques directly from a former pro. After the training session, guests will get to ask questions and hear personal insights from their host about professional soccer, match preparation, and life at the top level in an interactive Q&A. Fans can request to book starting May 20 at 1:00PM EDT.

Play a Match with Soccer Pros in Miami Stadium

In this one-of-a-kind experience, guests will get to play a match on the FIFA World Cup 2026™ game pitch in Miami Stadium with MLS veterans and former teammates, Bradley Wright-Phillips & Lloyd Sam. Guests will gear up in a players’ locker room before taking to the pitch to rehearse game-day rituals, absorb a motivational huddle worthy of champions, and have a once-in-a-lifetime match experience. Fans can book starting May 20 at 1:00PM EDT.

Attend the FIFA World Cup 2026™ with a Top Host

This special matchday experience invites fans to attend a FIFA World Cup 2026™ match with some of Airbnb’s top hosts (who also happen to be football fanatics): Ben Gollan in New York New Jersey, Drew Tewksbury in Los Angeles, and former football pro, Fer Piña in Mexico City. Guests get to enjoy the action from some of the best seats in the house, and receive insights from these experienced local hosts. Fans can book starting May 20 at 1:00PM EDT.

Beyond these FIFA World Cup 2026™ marquee fan experiences, guests can also discover dozens of local experiences reimagined with a football twist throughout the tournament. This curated selection of experiences invites fans to connect with one another through shared, authentically local activities in host cities, and all experiences are available to book now. From joining a traditional street-style football match led by former pro Fer Piña in Mexico City, to creating match day murals at Wynwood Walls in Miami, to designing World Cup-inspired sneakers in New York City, there are many ways passionate fans will be able to celebrate this cultural moment together. For guests who can’t attend a match but still want to connect with other fans and experience the game day energy, they can celebrate the spirit of the tournament at matchday meetups across Miami, Los Angeles, New York New Jersey and Mexico City.

With millions of fans set to travel for the tournament, hosts are gearing up to meet soaring demand. Airbnb searches in host cities are up 80 percent ¹, and families or groups represent more than half of World Cup travel to date ².

From family-friendly homes to stylish downtown lofts, guests will find stays for every taste and group size—many located in the authentic neighborhoods surrounding our new experiences.

*The Ultimate Quarter-Final Getaway includes a private Airbnb stay for two guests, one private chef service (for one meal – either breakfast or dinner – during the trip), two Airbnb Experiences, and x1 ticket per person to the FIFA World Cup Quarter Final Match™ in Los Angeles on 10 July. Car transfers and meals during the trip will be arranged for guests. Four spots are available, each for a guest and their plus one. Flights are not included and all guests are entirely responsible for their own travel arrangements to and from Los Angeles, as well as VISAs and insurance. Full T&Cs at airbnb.com/rioferdinand. There is no cost to submit a request. Guests must be 18+. Geographic and other eligibility restrictions may apply.

¹Based on internal Airbnb data of the growth in searches by global guests for FIFA World Cup 2026™ host cities during the tournament dates compared to the year prior, as of Q4 2025.

² Based on Airbnb internal data of the percentage of bookings made by groups of more than three guests, and by groups with at least one adult and one child for trips in host cities during the FIFA World Cup 2026, as of Q4 2025.