Airbnb Sees 80% Spike in Boston-Area Rental Interest for 2026 World Cup

Home rental company expects to host 17,000 soccer fans in Boston region during tournament

Published on Mar. 10, 2026

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Airbnb is anticipating high demand for short-term rentals in the Boston area during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with an 80% increase in people looking to book Airbnbs in the region. The company expects to host around 17,000 soccer fans visiting for matches at Gillette Stadium in Foxboro. However, some nearby towns like Foxboro and Plainville have banned short-term rentals, limiting options for World Cup visitors.

Why it matters

The 2026 World Cup is expected to bring a significant influx of tourists to the Boston area, creating both opportunities and challenges for local communities. Airbnb's rental data highlights the potential economic benefits for homeowners, but also raises questions about housing availability and regulations in towns near Gillette Stadium.

The details

Airbnb's New England public policy manager Britte McBride said the company has seen an 80% increase in people looking to book Airbnbs in the Boston region for the World Cup. Airbnb estimates hosts in the area could make around $5,200 by making their homes available for the duration of the tournament. However, short-term rentals are banned in some nearby towns like Foxboro and Plainville, limiting options for World Cup visitors. Airbnb is offering a $750 bonus to new hosts in eligible Massachusetts and Rhode Island ZIP codes to encourage more listings.

  • The 2026 FIFA World Cup will take place from June 13 to July 9, 2026.
  • Gillette Stadium in Foxboro, Massachusetts will host 7 World Cup matches during the tournament.

The players

Airbnb

A home rental company that expects to host around 17,000 soccer fans visiting the Boston area for the 2026 World Cup.

Britte McBride

Airbnb's New England public policy manager who spoke about the company's rental expectations for the World Cup.

Foxboro

A town near Gillette Stadium that has banned short-term rentals, limiting options for World Cup visitors.

Plainville

Another town near Gillette Stadium that has banned short-term rentals, further limiting options for World Cup visitors.

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What they’re saying

“We have seen an 80% increase in people looking to book Airbnbs in the Boston region. We think that there's going to be pretty high demand.”

— Britte McBride, New England public policy manager, Airbnb (WBZ-TV)

“There are plenty of towns that do allow for short-term rentals that are very close in the vicinity of Foxboro - Wrentham and Sharon spring to mind. In the Greater Boston area, in addition to the city of Boston, there are cities like Revere, which is another city that allows for short-term rentals.”

— Britte McBride, New England public policy manager, Airbnb (WBZ-TV)

What’s next

Airbnb is offering a $750 bonus to new hosts in eligible Massachusetts and Rhode Island ZIP codes to encourage more short-term rental listings ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

The takeaway

The 2026 World Cup is expected to drive high demand for short-term rentals in the Boston area, presenting economic opportunities for homeowners but also challenges for towns near Gillette Stadium that have banned the practice. Airbnb is working to boost rental supply, but availability may remain limited in some communities.