2026 World Cup Airbnb Incentive Introduces Its Own Competition

The 2026 World Cup's tournament economies, tourism, and international relations will rock Toronto this summer. There are those who are excited just by the mere fact that such a large event will take place here. Then there are people who see it as an opportunity to make some serious money. Beyond knock-off jerseys and memorabilia, accommodations offer great potential earnings. Established Airbnb hosts are already in pregame mode as we get closer and closer to kick-off. But there will be competition in more ways than one. Toronto listings will grow by the thousands thanks to a new incentive aimed at bolstering short-term rental availability for tourists.

This guide explores how Toronto hosts can navigate the opportunities and challenges ahead, positioning themselves to thrive both during and long after the tournament concludes.

Why Care About the 2026 World Cup?

The World Cup has been a staple international sports event since 1930, when the first edition was held in Uruguay. Over nearly a century, the quadrennial tournament's significance now extends far beyond football itself. It serves as a platform for nations to showcase their athletic prowess, cultural pride, and unity on an international stage.

It's also a huge economic boon. Experts estimate that host nations will generate billions in direct economic impact during this World Cup year.

Revenue streams are diverse and substantial; FIFA has received over 500 million mere requests for tickets so far. Tourism will surge dramatically, with host countries welcoming international visitors ready to spend lots on accommodations, dining, and attractions. It isn't unrealistic to expect hotel occupancy rate increases of 40-60%.

Airbnb and the 2026 World Cup

When One King West, the Sheraton, and Shangri-La's popularity and prices surge, many visitors will be in search of alternative accommodation options. Nothing fits the bill better than Airbnb. It's alternative by nature. Short-term rentals can take various forms and cater to all kinds of guests. Hopeful hosts have great flexibility when it comes to the spaces they rent, whether an entire property or a spare room. Those in the business already know that.

Toronto maintains a massive network of entrepreneurs who operate one or more listings year-round. There are also 'amateurs' – people who simply have some extra space and want to earn a little extra income on the side. All in all, Canada's largest city contains over 20,000 Airbnb rentals.

But even that number might not be enough for the 2026 World Cup. Municipal leaders want to maximize revenue from this incoming wave of visitors while ensuring everyone can find a place to stay – and enjoy a great experience in Toronto this summer. This has prompted a new city-backed initiative aimed at supporting responsible hosting and boosting tourism revenue.

Call and Compensation for Airbnb Listings

The new incentive is a cash bonus Airbnb is paying to first-time, entire-home hosts in Toronto (and other World Cup cities) who get their first qualifying booking before July 31, 2026. Airbnb is offering about $1,000 CAD (US$750) as a one-time reward to new hosts in World Cup host cities, including Toronto. It’s framed as their “biggest new host incentive ever”, tied specifically to the FIFA World Cup 2026.

To be eligible, hosts must:

• Be a new host (or have no active listings as of Feb 1, 2026).
• List an entire home (not a private room) in an eligible zone in a World Cup host city such as Toronto.
• Register through Airbnb’s FIFA World Cup page (e.g. the new host reward signup) before publishing the listing.
• Secure a qualifying reservation of at least about US$100 (≈$137 CAD) before taxes, with the guest’s stay completed on or before July 31, 2026.

Once the guest checks out, Airbnb says the cash reward is paid to the host’s default payout method within around 45 days.​ Deloitte estimates Toronto residents could earn around $2,700 on average by renting their home during the tournament, with the bonus on top.

Joe DiFelice of RentX, a local company specializing in Airbnb rental management, says he’s already seeing earnings surge:

“In just the past few weeks, we’ve seen a sharp increase in inquiries and early bookings. Current rates and confirmed reservations are already tracking over 400% higher than the same period last year. One-bedroom condos are securing game-day and weekend bookings in June for upwards of $1,000 per night before taxes – and we expect further upward pressure as inventory tightens.”

How the World Cup Airbnb Incentive Impacts You

As an Airbnb entrepreneur, you’re far more invested in the short-term rental game than the average homeowner. But this year, with thousands of first-time hosts preparing to join the platform, the competition will be fierce.

Expect even more listings to flood the market by late spring as the World Cup approaches. Many will undercut prices in exchange for occupancy, leaving experienced hosts to adjust their strategies. However, established operators can still stand out by emphasizing professionalism, consistent communication, and unique guest experiences.

We’ve provided some tips for staying ahead below. 

Optimize Your Pricing Strategy: Dynamic pricing tools will help you remain competitive as demand fluctuates week by week.

Upgrade Your Listing Visuals: High-quality, professional photos and detailed descriptions will attract premium guests willing to pay more.

Highlight Location and Amenities: Proximity to transit, stadiums, and local attractions will be your biggest selling point.

Offer Memorable Extras: Welcome baskets, neighborhood guides, or World Cup-themed touches can help your space stand out.

Review Policies: Familiarize yourself with temporary changes to Toronto’s short-term rental rules to avoid fines for non-compliance.

Though it’s natural to feel pressure from the influx of new hosts, remember that experience counts. Your reviews, guest trust, and local insights give you a massive advantage.

When the final whistle blows and the crowds disperse, many newcomers will pack up their listings and move on. The hosts who remain will have grown their business, expanded their network, and strengthened their brand for years to come.

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Success in the face of this new Airbnb incentive won't simply come from availability; it will depend on differentiation, strategic pricing, and exceptional guest experiences. At the end of the day and games, though, established hosts should shine with little effort. Strong reputations and well-maintained properties don't happen overnight. And they certainly can't be bought with a one-time payout.