How to Airbnb your Houston home for the 2026 World Cup
Add Axios as your preferred source to
see more of our stories on Google.
Illustration: Brendan Lynch/Axios
Airbnb is expecting a World Cup boom — and Houston homeowners could cash in.
Why it matters: Houston is hosting seven matches, drawing visitors from across the globe and pumping money into the local economy.
By the numbers: A Deloitte study commissioned by Airbnb projects 181,000 tourists needing accommodations in the region, with 31,000 staying in Airbnb rentals during the World Cup.
- Airbnb projects host earnings in Houston and nearby areas will reach nearly $17 million over the tournament.
- That works out to roughly $3,000 per host. Houston's average host earnings fall on the lower end compared with other host cities, but still represent meaningful revenue.
State of play: Houston City Council this year approved an ordinance requiring short-term rental owners and operators to register with the city.
How it works: The application requires a $275 non-refundable fee plus a $33 administrative fee.
- Once issued, the registration number must appear on the Airbnb listing.
- Hosts must also follow any other binding rules, including leases, HOA regulations or tenant-organization policies.
Between the lines: With demand anticipated to spill beyond Houston, surrounding areas like Sugar Land — an official host city supporter — are preparing for visitors, including by launching a social district.
What they're saying: "I can play my part in ensuring that the economic benefits of this once‑in‑a‑lifetime event are felt across the entire Houston community," Airbnb host Sébastien Long said in a news release.
Zoom out: Across all host cities, roughly 2.1 million tourists will need a place to stay, including 232,000 Airbnb guests, per the report.
- Nationwide, Airbnb guests are expected to spend $865 million on lodging, food, shopping and more across the 11 host cities.