Toronto braces for 2026 World Cup housing crunch as Airbnb lures new hosts
Toronto is preparing for a surge of visitors during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with around 146,000 people expected to arrive in the city. To meet the rising demand for accommodations, Airbnb is offering new hosts a financial incentive to list their properties during the tournament. The move comes as the city braces for potential housing disruptions and increased enforcement challenges.
The 2026 World Cup will take place across three countries, with matches held in 11 US stadiums, three in Mexico, and two in Canada—Toronto and Vancouver. The tournament runs from June 11 to July 19, 2026, though no games will be played exclusively in Canada.
Airbnb's chief business officer, Dave Stephenson, noted a sharp rise in accommodation demand for the event. In response, the company is offering $1,000 to new Toronto hosts who list their properties and complete a booking before the end of July. The incentive aims to ease pressure on the city's housing market during the tournament. However, concerns have emerged about the impact on long-term rentals. Some landlords may evict tenants to convert units into short-term rentals, taking advantage of the financial offer. The city already enforces strict rules for short-term rentals, requiring registration and compliance, but an influx of listings could strain bylaw enforcement. Toronto's rental market has seen a recent decline, with the average one-bedroom apartment rent dropping nearly seven per cent to $2,201 per month as of March 2026. Despite this, the World Cup's arrival could push more properties into the short-term market, further tightening long-term housing availability.
The World Cup will bring a temporary economic boost for Toronto residents willing to host visitors. Yet the city must balance the benefits of short-term rentals with the risk of reduced long-term housing. Enforcement of existing regulations will be key as demand for accommodations peaks during the tournament.
