by Mia Taylor
Last updated: 3:45 PM ET, Tue February 3, 2026
Early booking data from Airbnb is providing a glimpse at the travelers most interested in taking part in the upcoming FIFA World Cup extravaganza, along with the soccer matches that are generating the most excitement among prospective attendees.
The soccer fan frenzy, at least as it relates to Airbnb bookings, is thus far being dominated by group and family travelers, along with Gen Z globetrotters.
Highlights of the Airbnb booking data include:
- Gen Z is already driving the vast majority of FIFA World Cup-related bookings, accounting for more than 15 percent to date, with nearly half traveling in groups and many booking trips lasting three to five nights.
- International fans are driving 70 percent of the 'gateway' travel tied to the tournament, which means travelers using FIFA World Cup trips as merely a starting point to explore destinations beyond FIFA host cities.
- Countries generating the most FIFA World Cup travel searches so far include the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Mexico, France, Germany, Brazil, Australia, and Argentina
FIFA World Cup-related search interest among travelers is being driven by specific matches. Some of the FIFA games that travelers are most eager to see include USA vs. Paraguay (taking place in Los Angeles), Haiti vs. Scotland (in Boston), and Brazil vs. Morocco (in the New York New Jersey area)
The world's sport is returning to the United States for the first time in more than
three decades this year. The FIFA World Cup will kick off on June 11, 2026,
with 48 nations vying for the game's ultimate title over five weeks. A
champion will be crowned just outside of New York City on July 19, 2026.
Here’s a closer look at the FIFA World Cup travel trends taking shape.
FIFA-driven travel trends
Family travelers are apparently all about the upcoming FIFA World Cup events, according to Airbnb booking data. And among those family travelers who are busy booking for the World Cup, Los Angeles is the most popular host city they're traveling to, with San Francisco, Seattle, Vancouver, Miami, and Kansas City also experiencing high demand
The largest number of family bookings are coming from travelers based in Chicago; Arlington, VA; and Los Angeles.
Another demographic that’s proving especially enthusiastic about FIFA World Cup events is Gen Z. A closer look at their travel patterns reveals strong interest from international Gen Z guests, and a preference to experience the World Cup together in groups.
Los Angeles, Miami, and New York rank highest among Gen Z travelers attending World Cup events, of which over 40 percent have booked trips lasting three-to-five nights. Equally noteworthy, FIFA is attracting Gen Z travelers from as far away as London and Glasgow, followed by Tokyo and Los Angeles.
FIFA fans plan gateway travel
For many travelers attending FIFA World Cup events, the sporting event will be merely the start of an extended vacation, according to Airbnb. In other words, the World Cup tournament will be merely a launching pad for further "gateway" travel in host countries, especially for travelers who are coming from farther afield.
Non-US travelers visiting during the World Cup account for 70 percent of the gateway travel resulting from the tournament. Additionally, non-US travelers are planning to visit more destinations during World Cup trips than US guests.
Latin and South American travelers are staying 16 nights, on average, followed by travelers from Europe (14 nights), Asia Pacific (13 nights) and the US and Canada (10 nights).
Travelers from Argentina are taking the longest trips of any country, while travelers from Germany are visiting the most destinations of any country, during their trips.
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