As anticipation builds for the FIFA World Cup 2026™, early travel data reveals clear patterns in how fans are planning their trips — from who is booking, to where they are staying, and how affordability and group travel are shaping demand.
New insights shared by Airbnb, an Official FIFA World Cup 2026™ Supporter, show that fans from the United States, United Kingdom, and Canada are leading global searches for accommodation during tournament dates, with families, Gen Z travelers, and international visitors driving early momentum.
Matches driving the strongest travel demand
Search data shows that early demand is concentrated around both headline clashes and underdog matchups. Among the most searched matches for nearby stays are:
- Haiti vs. Scotland (June 13, Boston)
- Brazil vs. Morocco (June 13, East Rutherford, NJ)
- Mexico vs. South Africa (June 11, Mexico City)
- France vs. Senegal (June 16, East Rutherford, NJ)
- USA vs. Paraguay (June 12, Los Angeles)
- Uruguay vs. Cape Verde (June 21, Miami)
The strongest search interest is coming from travelers based in the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Mexico, France, Germany, Brazil, Australia, Argentina, and Colombia, highlighting the tournament’s global pull.
Families and groups dominate early bookings
One of the clearest FIFA World Cup 2026 travel trends is the dominance of group travel. Families and groups already account for more than half of all World Cup-related trips booked to date.
Key patterns include:
- Los Angeles is the most popular host city for families, followed by San Francisco, Seattle, Vancouver, Miami, and Kansas City
- Two-night stays are the most common (nearly 30%), followed by four-to-five-night trips
- Around 75% of family bookings are for two- or three-bedroom homes, reflecting demand for space and value
- Major US cities such as Chicago, Arlington (VA), and Los Angeles are leading origins for family travelers
Gen Z fans travel farther — and together
Younger travelers are emerging as another major force shaping FIFA World Cup 2026 travel trends.
- Gen Z accounts for more than 15% of bookings, with nearly half traveling in groups
- Los Angeles, Miami, and New York are the most popular destinations for Gen Z travelers
- Over 40% of Gen Z bookings are for trips lasting three to five nights
- International interest is strong, with top origin cities including London, Glasgow, Tokyo, and Los Angeles
The data suggests Gen Z fans are prioritising shared experiences, longer stays, and major cultural hubs during the tournament.
Gateway travel expands beyond match cities
Many fans — especially those traveling internationally — are using the World Cup as a launchpad to explore beyond stadium cities.
- Non-US travelers account for 70% of gateway travel linked to the tournament
- International guests are visiting more destinations and staying an average of three nights longer than US travelers
- Average trip lengths by region:
- Latin & South America: 16 nights
- Europe: 14 nights
- Asia Pacific: 13 nights
- US & Canada: 10 nights
Travelers from Argentina are taking the longest trips overall, while guests from Germany are visiting the highest number of destinations during their stay.
Affordable stays remain widely available
Despite rising demand, affordability remains a key theme across host cities.
- A significant share of available listings are priced under $500 per night
- Early booking data shows guests actively preferring stays below this price point
- Many two-bedroom and larger homes are also available under $500/night, offering better value for families and groups
As an Official Supporter, Airbnb is also enabling host city residents to earn additional income by welcoming World Cup travelers into their homes.
According to a Deloitte study, Airbnb guests are projected to generate $3.6 billion in economic impact for host cities during the tournament, underlining the role of home sharing in supporting local communities.
Planning ahead for 2026
With early demand already surging, these FIFA World Cup 2026 travel trends suggest fans are prioritising group-friendly stays, affordability, and multi-destination experiences — well ahead of kickoff.
Fans planning their World Cup journeys can explore stays and local experiences at:
👉 https://www.airbnb.com/fifa
