For most football fans, the FIFA World Cup is already a dream come true. The chants, the goals, the flags, the drama—it’s a festival like no other. But what if you could go one step further? What if you could kick a ball with a World Cup legend, break down tactics with a seasoned pro, or cheer from the stands alongside a Hall of Famer?
That’s exactly what Airbnb is now offering, thanks to a new partnership with FIFA that allows fans to book private World Cup-themed experiences. It’s not just about booking a place to crash between games anymore. It’s about stepping into the game itself—figuratively, and in some cases, quite literally.
A New Kind of Football Experience
With three major FIFA tournaments headed to North and South America—the FIFA Club World Cup (2025), the FIFA World Cup (2026), and the FIFA Women’s World Cup (2027)—Airbnb has spotted an opportunity. And it’s not just about beds and breakfasts. It’s about memories.
“Football brings people together,” said Airbnb CEO Brian Chesky, “and so do we.” That’s the thinking behind Airbnb Originals, a new initiative that lets fans interact with legendary footballers in ways that once seemed impossible.
Here’s what’s on offer so far:
1. Train with Tim Howard
Ever dreamed of making a fingertip save in front of a roaring crowd? Tim Howard, the U.S. goalkeeper who made 16 saves in a single World Cup game (yes, that’s a record), is opening up his training ground near East Rutherford, New Jersey, to a select group of fans.
Howard, who played more Premier League games than any other American, will run guests through real goalkeeper drills—penalty saves, striking, even tactical talk about a live FIFA Club World Cup match happening nearby. You’ll end the session with a group photo, possibly a sore thigh, and definitely a good story.
To keep things safe and tailored, participants must be at least 16 years old and pass a pre-screening.
“This is a chance to feel what it’s like on the other side of the TV screen,” says Howard. “You won’t just be watching football—you’ll be playing it.”
2. Watch the Match with Cobi Jones
If training’s not your thing, how about watching a game with one of the greats?
Cobi Jones, the most-capped player in U.S. Men’s National Team history and a three-time World Cup veteran, will join fans in the stands of Philadelphia’s Lincoln Financial Field during the FIFA Club World Cup.
It’s not just a meet-and-greet. Jones promises real-time commentary, tactical insights, and candid stories from his playing days. “We’ll talk about what’s happening on the pitch as it happens,” he says. “It’s like having a personal sports analyst, except it’s me.”
Expect a relaxed afternoon of world-class football, inside jokes, and a photo at the end to prove you didn’t dream it up.
3. Go Tactical with Pascal Zuberbühler
For the data nerds and strategy lovers, Airbnb offers something a little more cerebral. Swiss football veteran Pascal Zuberbühler, now a senior analyst for FIFA’s Technical Study Group, will host a pre-match session in Bay Harbor Islands, Florida.
The session will walk guests through how FIFA uses analytics to break down matches—what the experts see that fans might miss, what data drives coaching decisions, and how matches are dissected at the highest level.
At $60 and up, it’s the only experience with a listed price. It ends with a Q&A, where guests can quiz Zuberbühler on his career, the numbers behind the game, and whatever happened during that one weird moment in the 2006 World Cup.
More to Come
These three experiences are just the start. Airbnb says even more World Cup-inspired experiences are on the way—many hosted by locals, showcasing everything from street food and music to city tours and cultural traditions in the 16 official Host Cities across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico.
And make no mistake: Airbnb’s getting serious about the World Cup. In 2026 alone, the platform expects its hosts to earn a combined $210 million from short-term stays. With nightly prices already climbing in host cities like Seattle, Washington D.C., and Atlanta, the World Cup isn’t just a party—it’s big business.
Deloitte estimates that Airbnb stays will add $3.6 billion to the economies of Host Cities during the 2026 tournament, creating more than 34,000 full-time jobs. To sweeten the deal, Airbnb is also pumping $5 million into a Host City Impact Program to support local communities.
Why It Matters
This isn’t just some marketing stunt. It’s part of a broader trend where sports, travel, and tech are converging. Fans don’t just want tickets anymore—they want access. They want stories, selfies, and something to post that isn’t just another goal.
For Airbnb, it’s also a smart way to remind people that it’s more than a booking site. With hotel prices expected to skyrocket during the World Cup, and Airbnb homes often offering more space and better value, these experiences give the platform an extra edge—and a chance to build brand loyalty with football fans worldwide.
And for those lucky enough to snag a spot in one of these once-in-a-lifetime experiences, it’s a story they’ll be telling for years.
“Airbnb is helping fans create memories that go far beyond the match,” the company said. In a world where the beautiful game is increasingly mediated by screens, schedules, and security fences, that kind of intimacy is rare.
But for now, it’s just a click away.
