ATL's hospitality could make millions during World Cup. Want a piece?
- - ATL's hospitality could make millions during World Cup. Want a piece?
Irene Wright, USA TODAY December 16, 2025 at 7:34 AM
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The 2026 FIFA World Cup is coming to Atlanta, and with it tens of thousands of soccer fans ready to spend money.
The city's hospitality industry is gearing up as Atlanta becomes host for eight matches, five during the group stage and three later in the tournament.
Demand for short-term rentals has already skyrocketed as prospective spectators take to travel sites and plan their World Cup experience.
Now, a report from Airbnb and Deloitte found the tournament could drive as much as $70 million for the accommodation sector in Atlanta — and you can get a piece.
World Cup multiplier effect on Atlanta economy
"Tourists' spending initiates a chain reaction throughout the economy, starting with direct impacts on sectors such as accommodations and restaurants. As businesses respond to this increased demand, indirect effects ripple throughout the supply chain," according to the report. "Additionally, induced effects arise as higher wages circulate within the economies, further stimulating economic activity across different sectors."
The full impact of this "multiplier effect" will be clear during the World Cup, where Deloitte estimates the city will see $23 million in direct impact to the hospitality industry by Airbnb guests, but an additional $24 million in indirect financial gains and $23 million in induced gains, bringing a total positive impact on the sector to $70 million.
Airbnb guests will not only bring money to their accommodations, but also to restaurants and bars, cultural activities, retail spaces and private and public transit, according to the report.
How much could you make renting a home for the World Cup?
Airbnb rental availability is directly impacted by how many Atlanta residents are willing to rent their apartments or homes, but there is a clear financial incentive.
More than 200,000 people will be looking for a place to stay during the World Cup, including at least 6,000 Airbnb rentals. Guests are expected to spend an accumulated 45,000 guest nights in the city.
Deloitte and Airbnb estimate each guest will spend about $500 a night during their stay, primarily within the city or the neighborhoods just outside of the perimeter.
That money isn't just going to Airbnb, but a majority portion goes into the pockets of hosts.
"We project total host earnings in Atlanta and surrounding areas during the World Cup to reach nearly ($3 million), resulting in an average earnings per host of approximately ($3,700) over the event duration. These earnings could be particularly impactful for women, who represent 59% of Airbnb hosts in the USA, and for seniors, who represent 20% of hosts," according to the report.
Airbnb renters could come from around the world
In the days after the group stage matches were set for the World Cup, global flight interest for Atlanta was up 154%, according to a report from KAYAK. Travel searches for U.S.-bound trips was also up more than 200%, the company said.
Flight interest for Atlanta for the same time period domestically was also up more than 70% from the previous year, KAYAK said.
The same report found that hotels had increased their prices in Atlanta by 59% for the period of the World Cup, averaging about $319 per night. This means both U.S. and international travelers may be turning to sites like Airbnb and VRBO for their stay.
Teams and fans from Spain, Cabo Verde, South Africa, Denmark, North Macedonia, Czechia, Ireland, Saudi Arabia, Morocco, Haiti, Uzbekistan, Congo, Jamaica and New Caledonia could all make appearances in Atlanta.
Irene Wright is the Atlanta Connect reporter with USA Today’s Deep South Connect team. Find her on X @IreneEWright or email her at [email protected].
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Atlanta's hospitality industry set to make millions during World Cup
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