As the FIFA World Cup draws near, a wave of homeowners across the United States is converting spare rooms, basements and entire houses into short‑term rentals for soccer fans.
In Newark, New Jersey, Emily Aguirre and her fiancé Gerardo Hernandez recently poured $10,000 into a full‑scale renovation of their property, aiming to recoup the outlay and fund their upcoming wedding.
The house sits less than 20 minutes from MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, a venue that will host several World Cup matches, making it an attractive spot for fans seeking convenient lodging.
Their story mirrors a nationwide pattern: property owners in cities from Los Angeles to Houston are upgrading their homes, with some analysts projecting earnings of up to $45,000 over the tournament period.
Airbnb itself is bracing for a financial surge, forecasting $1.2 billion in total spending across the United States, Canada and Mexico, and estimating that its host network will generate roughly $212 million in revenue during the event.
Incentives and Market Momentum
To accelerate participation, the platform is offering a $750 bonus to new hosts who open entire homes before July 31 in any of the 16 host cities, a move that could further swell the short‑term rental market.
Near the New Jersey stadium, seven listings command nightly rates between $13,000 and nearly $17,000 for three‑night stays during the championship weekend, reflecting the premium placed on proximity.
One of the most extravagant options is an ultra‑luxury mansion in Millburn, New Jersey, boasting eight bedrooms and six‑and‑a‑half bathrooms; the property demands a minimum three‑night stay at about $38,000 and is already fully booked through late July.
Real‑estate investor Rich Lema has placed three properties on Airbnb, expecting to net between $20,000 and $40,000 during the month‑long tournament, while Los Angeles superhost Lia Pilla anticipates $27,000 to $45,000 from her two‑bedroom Hawthorne home.
In Houston, Shay and Ahmad Sweeney are refurbishing the house of Ahmad’s late grandparents, hoping to capture substantial profits; after the World Cup they plan to transform the space into a content‑creation studio, using the earnings as seed capital.