The countdown is in the final phase ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup which gets underway next month with Mexico and South Africa kicking off the tournament which runs through to July 19.

48 teams will compete in 104 games in the expanded competition with more teams meaning more games, more games equals more fans and more fans leads to more accomodation demand.

To help local residents capitalize on the 750,000 visitors expected in the Pacific Northwest, Airbnb has launched a specific Host Earnings Calculator for the 2026 World Cup.

The tool provides individualized estimates based on your specific address, the number of bedrooms, and which of the six matches at Seattle’s Lumen Field you plan to host for.

Potential PNW earnings

According to the latest projections from Deloitte and Airbnb’s internal data for the tournament period:

Most Seattle-area hosts are expected to net an average of $3,800 during the tournament window with larger “entire home” listings in high-demand neighborhoods (like Pioneer Square, SODO, or Capitol Hill) are seeing projected earnings as high as $11,000.

The average daily rate in Seattle is currently pacing at $653 for World Cup dates—a 135% increase over the city’s typical summer average of $278.

At present, booking rates for the “Seattle window” are already between 30% and 62%, depending on the specific match week.

Airbnb requirements

While the earning potential is high, Seattle has strict regulations for short-term rentals that will be heavily enforced during the World Cup.

To host legally, you must have a Seattle Business License Tax Certificate and a Short-Term Rental Regulatory License. The permit fee is approximately $75 per unit.

Hosting without these permits can lead to significant daily fines, and Airbnb has integrated permit verification into the listing process for the tournament.

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