FIFA World Cup 2026 Drives Multi-City Trips And Budget Accommodation Searches: Report

The FIFA World Cup 2026 is just months away, and travel plans around the mega sporting carnival are well and truly underway. Early booking data suggests fans are locking in trips for key match dates, especially for fixtures featuring high-profile teams and knockout rounds. Searches for accommodation around host cities are being driven largely by travellers from the United States, the United Kingdom and Canada, as per a report by Airbnb. The pattern reflects strong interest from countries expected to have significant fan presence during the tournament. Several early group-stage and Round of 32 matches have triggered noticeable spikes in travel searches. Games scheduled in Los Angeles, East Rutherford, Boston and Mexico City appear to be among the strongest draws so far. This indicates fans are prioritising destinations with multiple matches and good transport connectivity.

Families And Groups Lead The Way

One of the clearest trends emerging from early data is the dominance of family and group travel, according to the Airbnb report. More than half of World Cup-related trips booked so far through this platform fall into this category. Cities like Los Angeles, San Francisco, Seattle, Vancouver, Miami and Kansas City are seeing higher interest from families planning to attend matches together.

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Short stays are common among this group. Two-night trips account for a significant share of bookings, followed closely by four-to-five-night stays. Larger homes are being favoured, with most family travellers opting for two- or three-bedroom properties. The trend points to a practical approach, combining match attendance with manageable travel costs and shared accommodation.

Gen Z Fans Travel Far, And Together

Younger travellers are also shaping World Cup travel patterns in a distinct way. Gen Z guests account for a growing share of early bookings, with many choosing to travel in groups. Popular destinations for this age group include Los Angeles, Miami and New York, with trips typically lasting three to five nights.

International interest among younger fans stands out. Cities such as London and Glasgow are emerging as major departure points, along with Tokyo. Travel researchers note that this generation is more likely to build social experiences around major sporting events, blending matches with nightlife, sightseeing and cultural exploration.

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Gateway Travel And Budget Choices

Another noticeable shift is the rise of gateway travel. Many international fans are using the tournament as an entry point to explore more than one destination. Non-US travellers, in particular, are staying longer and visiting multiple cities during their trips. On average, these travellers are adding several extra nights compared to domestic visitors.

Cost remains a key factor. Across host cities, a large share of available accommodation is still priced under $500 per night, and early bookings suggest travellers are actively seeking options below this threshold. Larger listings offering better value for groups are in demand, reflecting a balance between proximity to stadiums and affordability.

These early trends highlight how the World Cup is shaping not just where fans go, but how they travel. From group-focused stays to longer, multi-city itineraries, the 2026 tournament is already influencing global travel behaviour well ahead of kickoff.