The approaching FIFA World Cup 2026 is already driving up accommodation costs in host cities, with significant increases observed in the Dallas-Fort Worth area of Texas. While the tournament doesn’t begin until , demand for short-term rentals is surging, pushing prices to levels unseen in recent years.
Prior to the official group stage draw, Airbnb listings in the Arlington area – home to AT&T Stadium, a key venue for World Cup matches – averaged between $300 and $500 per night for stays between and . However, that situation has rapidly changed, according to reports.
As of , average nightly rates near AT&T Stadium have climbed to approximately $1500. Some properties are now listed for as much as $3475 per night, even for accommodations suitable for only four guests. A particularly high-end listing, a residence capable of housing 13 people with six bedrooms and a rooftop view of the stadium, is currently advertised at $6229 per night, plus taxes.
The increase in demand is substantial. Approximately 500 Airbnb properties in Arlington are currently booked for the World Cup dates, representing a 200% increase compared to December 2025. Despite this surge, industry analysts suggest demand remains relatively low, indicating further price increases are likely as the tournament approaches.
Bram Gallagher, director of economics at AirDNA, suggests that average daily rates may experience a slight dip in the coming months before rising again closer to the tournament’s kickoff. This pattern reflects the booking behavior of different traveler segments. Larger groups and high-net-worth individuals tend to secure luxury properties well in advance, while more general travelers often wait for dates closer to the event to finalize their arrangements.
While previous World Cups saw primarily fans from the United States, Mexico, and Canada utilizing Airbnb, the unique circumstance of all three nations co-hosting this tournament may moderate demand to some extent. However, the presence of high-profile national teams like France, Brazil, England, Germany, and Colombia playing matches in Texas is expected to further drive up prices.
A recent study by Deloitte estimates that Airbnb hosts in the 11 U.S. Host cities could generate an average of over $4000 per night during the tournament. The cities projected to yield the highest revenue for hosts were not specified in available sources.
The escalating costs highlight the broader economic impact of the 2026 World Cup. Ticket prices have already surged following the draw, and hotel rates have also increased significantly. The availability of affordable accommodation options, including those offered by short-term rental platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo, is proving limited, placing a strain on fans planning to attend the event.
The situation underscores the challenges of accommodating the massive influx of visitors expected for the tournament. Nathan Rotman, Airbnb’s director of policy strategy for North America, noted that the World Cup presents a “once in a generational moment” for cities to showcase themselves and test their capacity to host large-scale events. However, the current trajectory of accommodation costs raises concerns about accessibility and affordability for many fans.
The surge in demand is not limited to Airbnb. Similar increases are being observed on other short-term rental platforms like Vrbo and Booking.com, indicating a widespread trend across the industry. This suggests that the limited supply of accommodation in host cities is being rapidly absorbed by eager travelers, driving prices to unprecedented levels.
The long-term implications of these price increases remain to be seen. While hosts stand to benefit from the increased demand, the affordability of attending the World Cup for average fans is becoming a significant issue. The situation highlights the need for careful planning and early booking for those hoping to experience the tournament in person.
