Airbnb has announced a partnership with the FIFA World Cup 26 New York New Jersey Host Committee to invest over $1 million in community initiatives for New York City and New Jersey. The funding, part of Airbnb’s Host City Impact Program, will be used to build new soccer mini-pitches and support two community celebrations during the tournament. The announcement was made at a Brooklyn event attended by local leaders, elected officials, and youth organizations.
The investment is part of Airbnb’s ongoing collaboration with FIFA that includes multiple tournaments through 2027. The goal of the Host City Impact Program is to enhance host communities and improve the tournament experience for both residents and visitors.
According to Alex Lasry, CEO of the NYNJ Host Committee: “Hosting the FIFA World Cup is a once-in-a-generation opportunity for our region, and this investment ensures that its impact will be felt well beyond the tournament. We want this World Cup to inspire the next generation, teaching them life skills that only sports can offer, while hopefully motivating the next stars of US Soccer. Through today’s announcement, we are creating pathways for young people to learn, grow, and lead through the power of the game.”
Jay Carney, Global Head of Policy and Communications at Airbnb said: “New York and New Jersey will welcome the world next summer, bringing in $228 million to the tri-state area from short-term rentals alone. Our goal is to make sure communities across the tri-state area share in the benefits. This investment creates spaces that are accessible for everyone to come together and cheer on their favorite teams or step onto the pitch to play themselves.”
Bronx Borough President Vanessa Gibson added: “As we prepare to welcome the FIFA World Cup to New York City, it’s essential that every neighborhood and every borough is included. Sports is more than entertainment, it can also be a powerful force for community building, youth development, and social change. It brings people together across cultures and backgrounds, instills values like teamwork and perseverance, and creates opportunities both on and off the field. By creating new soccer spaces and inviting community groups into the heart of the celebration, Airbnb and New York New Jersey Host Committee is helping foster the next generation of athletes, leaders, and dreamers.”
Council Member Francisco Moya stated: “For communities across Queens, soccer is more than a game – it’s a shared language that connects us across cultures. That’s why Airbnb’s investment ahead of FIFA World Cup 26 matters – it will help ensure the tournament leaves a lasting legacy with a new soccer pitch that will give young players a place to grow and share this heritage, while supporting the neighborhoods and small businesses that make Queens shine as the World’s Borough.”
New York State Senator Jamaal Bailey commented: “Today’s commitment is the kind of leadership and vision The Bronx and our city need – investments that don’t just look at a single event but build meaningful opportunities that leave a lasting legacy. Airbnb’s community initiatives ahead of FIFA World Cup 26 mean that our borough will share in the opportunities, jobs, and celebration of every culture that comes with hosting an event of this magnitude.”
During FIFA World Cup 26, about 25,000 guests are expected to stay with Airbnb hosts throughout New York City metropolitan area during tournament dates in June-July 2026 (https://news.airbnb.com/fifa-world-cup-26-new-york-new-jersey-host-city-impact/). Hosting activity could generate an estimated $288 million in GDP impact locally over several years after accounting for visitor spending at shops or restaurants near where they stay; support more than 1,100 full-time equivalent jobs through 2026; provide nearly $6K per host household participating; distribute economic benefits widely among neighborhoods (https://news.airbnb.com/fifa-world-cup-26-new-york-new-jersey-host-city-impact/).
Ed Foster-Simeon from U.S. Soccer Foundation said: “Since its inception...We’re thrilled that Airbnb is investing in creating mini-pitches...These new mini-pitches will provide lasting benefits for generations to come.” Sharon Greenberger from YMCA added: “Soccer is a powerful platform...We are grateful to Airbnb for their investment...help create a lasting meaningful legacy...” Adrienne Hadaway from Junior Achievement noted: "Building soccer pitches in outer boroughs is...a powerful step toward creating equitable opportunities..." Bailee Eaglin from City in Community emphasized continuing efforts so "future generations" benefit.
Airbnb plans further announcements regarding additional projects under its $5 million Host City Impact Program as part of preparations leading up to FIFA World Cup 26.