Airbnb has unveiled a major financial incentive program targeting new hosts in the Greater Toronto Area and Hamilton, offering a $1,000 bonus to those who list their homes for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup. This initiative, announced on Wednesday, represents the platform's most substantial new host promotion to date, as demand for accommodations surges in anticipation of the global soccer tournament.
Unprecedented Incentive for World Cup Hosts
According to Airbnb, the promotion applies exclusively to first-time hosts who list an entire home on the platform before July 31, 2026. While the base offer is $750 US, Canadian participants are eligible for $1,015 to account for currency differences. The company reports that searches for stays in World Cup host cities have skyrocketed by an average of 80% compared to the same period last year, highlighting the intense interest from international visitors.
Eligibility Across the GTA and Hamilton
The bonus program extends across a wide range of postal codes throughout the Greater Toronto Area and Hamilton, including areas distant from the primary soccer venues. This broad geographic scope aims to maximize available accommodations for the expected influx of tourists. A Deloitte study commissioned by Airbnb projects that hosts in the Toronto region could earn approximately $2,000 US on average during the tournament, with an estimated 28,000 fans opting for Airbnb stays.
Navigating Complex Local Regulations
Despite the attractive financial offer, potential hosts must contend with a patchwork of municipal regulations governing short-term rentals. In Toronto, operators are required to register with the city, pay a $390 fee, and submit to annual inspections. The city permits short-term rentals only at principal residences, and enforcement actions have led to the revocation of 152 registrations in January alone, despite 204 applications received.
Varied Municipal Approaches
Regulatory landscapes differ significantly across eligible jurisdictions:
- Mississauga and Brampton: Allow short-term rentals solely at principal residences with additional restrictions.
- Markham: Prohibits short-term rental accommodations entirely.
- Toronto: Implements a municipal accommodation tax temporarily increased from 6% to 8.5% until July 31, 2026, applying to all short-term rentals including Airbnb stays.
Economic Impact and Tourism Projections
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is expected to draw approximately 146,000 soccer fans requiring accommodation for Toronto matches, with the first game scheduled for June 12. City officials acknowledge anticipating increased short-term rental activity but emphasize strict compliance with existing bylaws. The tournament has already influenced local infrastructure priorities, including the justification of the RapidTO program last year to enhance transportation networks.
Airbnb's aggressive recruitment campaign reflects the competitive scramble to capture the lucrative World Cup accommodation market, even as regulatory hurdles persist across Ontario municipalities. Hosts considering participation must carefully evaluate both the financial incentives and the legal requirements specific to their location.
