Women hosts set to be the real winners of FIFA World Cup 2026™

Key Takeaways

• Women are projected to earn the majority of income during Airbnb’s biggest-ever hosting event
• Almost three in five sign-ups to Airbnb’s $750 new host incentive are women
• New survey reveals one in three women feel less financially secure, as World Cup hosting offers a $3,000 boost
• Meet women hosts welcoming the world this summer

With kick-off just days away, women hosts on Airbnb are already emerging as the real winners of the FIFA World Cup 2026™.

New Airbnb data shows women are projected to earn the majority of hosting income on the platform during the tournament, which is the world’s biggest sporting event.

Across host cities spanning Canada, Mexico and the US, women hosts account for the majority of tournament-time active hosts (53%) and bookings (50.5%)¹.

Demonstrating their enthusiasm for hosting at the FIFA World Cup, women also account for almost three in five sign-ups to Airbnb’s $750 new host incentive ² — our biggest-ever incentive program.

Earlier this month, Brian Chesky, co-founder and CEO of Airbnb, revealed that the FIFA World Cup is set to be our biggest hosting event ever — surpassing the 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games in Paris ³.

We are also revealing the host cities with the highest shares of tournament-time bookings hosted by women ⁴:

1. Kansas City: 63%
2. Seattle: 59%
3. Vancouver: 55%
4. San Francisco: 55%
5. Los Angeles: 53%
6. Houston: 53%
7. Boston: 52%
8. Dallas: 52%
9. Atlanta: 52%
10. Toronto: 51%

News of the earnings boost for women hosts this summer comes as new survey data shows that many women are facing financial pressures. According to a Focaldata survey of women in tournament host cities ⁵:

• One in three say they are less financially secure than 12 months ago
• The vast majority — 95% — say they are concerned about living costs rising over the next 12 months
• Nearly nine in ten agree that having a flexible, additional source of income — like hosting — can boost financial security and personal freedom for women
• Three in four say $3,000 in hosting income would have a significant positive impact on their finances

Dave Stephenson, Chief Business Officer at Airbnb, said:

“The FIFA World Cup is set to be the biggest event in Airbnb’s history, and the majority of host earnings are expected to flow directly to women. We’re making it easier than ever to become a host, and women are leading the charge. At a time when many are facing real financial pressures, access to flexible income can make a meaningful difference.”

Elisa - Toronto - Walk to FIFA! The Noble Loft – Prime Location

Elisa has been welcoming guests from around the world since 2014 — and the experience completely changed the way she views travel and hospitality.

“I hosted people from all over the world and we cooked dinners together, explored the city, watched movies, and shared countless laughs. It felt less like a transaction and more like a genuine cultural exchange and community experience.”

The FIFA World Cup coming to Toronto feels like a natural extension of everything Elisa loves about hosting.

“I’m so excited to host people from around the world. FIFA is yet another opportunity for me to open our doors and make people feel at home.”

Growing up in an Italian family where hospitality was a way of life, Elisa brings a deeply personal touch to every stay — from curated local recommendations to the small details that make guests feel genuinely cared for.

“As an Italian woman, I feel hosting is in my blood.”

For Elisa, the World Cup is about more than bookings — it’s a chance to celebrate the multiculturalism she’s already immersed in every day in Toronto.

“Platforms like Airbnb give women the opportunity to build financial independence, express creativity, and create meaningful connections with people from all over the world.”

Gwenn - Kansas City, MO - Rustic, 2 bedroom, total lower level, 1500 sq ft

Gwenn says the FIFA World Cup coming to Kansas City presents a huge opportunity for women to earn flexible income — and a chance for her to share the warmth, culture, and hospitality she loves about her city.

“It’s special to know our home can play a small part in welcoming the world to Kansas City.”

Inspired to start hosting by a desire to make visiting families feel truly at home, she says that hosting has changed her life — both personally and financially.

“Hosting has provided extra income that has helped support my family and create more flexibility in our lifestyle.”

Beyond her own story, Gwenn says the FIFA World Cup is creating meaningful opportunities for local families and small businesses across Kansas City.

“I’m excited for the positive impact it will have on our local economy, restaurants, shops, and community pride.”

She says platforms like Airbnb allow women to use their creativity, hospitality, and entrepreneurial skills to create something of their own.

“I would encourage other women who are considering hosting to take the leap and believe in what they can create.”

Jennifer - Dallas, TX - The Kentucky Cottage ~ Cupola Lane Cottages~McK TX

For Jennifer, the FIFA World Cup arriving in Dallas is an exciting moment that puts women hosts front and center.

“Women have the ability to create experiences that feel deeply personal and memorable in ways large hotels often cannot.”

She believes that hosting enables women to turn natural strengths into opportunities.

“Many women have an incredible instinct for hospitality, creating welcoming spaces, attention to detail, and making people feel cared for — qualities that matter deeply in hosting.”

Jennifer and her husband restored two historic cottages in Downtown McKinney, blending Southern-inspired design with genuine warmth and hospitality. Hosting has delivered far beyond financial flexibility — creating spaces for people to feel genuinely cared for and welcomed has become one of the most meaningful parts of her hosting experience.

“One of the things guests mention often is how cared for they feel during their stay — and that’s exactly the kind of experience we hope to offer World Cup travelers visiting Texas.”

Ahead of the World Cup, Jennifer has been preparing welcome baskets for arriving guests — a personal touch that reflects the care she puts into every stay.

“It’s sweet to think our little cottages might become part of someone’s favourite memories from such a historic global event.”

¹ According to Airbnb data as of Q1 2026

² According to Airbnb data as of May 18, 2026

³ https://news.airbnb.com/fifa-world-cup-2026-set-to-be-airbnbs-biggest-ever-event/

⁴ According to Airbnb data as of Q1 2026

⁵ Based on an online survey commissioned by Airbnb and conducted by Focaldata in May 2026 of over 7,000 women across the 16 FIFA World Cup 2026 host cities in Canada, Mexico and the US. All additional survey data originates from this survey.

Airbnb was born in 2007 when two hosts welcomed three guests to their San Francisco home, and has since grown to over 5.5 million hosts who have welcomed over 2.5 billion guest arrivals in almost every country across the globe. Every day, hosts offer unique stays, experiences, and services that make it possible for guests to connect with communities in a more authentic way.