Published February 2026 | Bobby Franklin, REALTOR® | North Texas Market Insider
Let me be straight with you. Most of the content you’re going to see about the 2026 FIFA World Cup in DFW is going to tell you it’s exciting. That it’s a big deal. That you should be thinking about it. That’s not intelligence. That’s noise.
What I’m going to give you here is the actual playbook; earnings projections, regulatory landmines, tax exposure, insurance gaps, and the long-term property value angle that the mainstream real estate conversation is completely missing. Whether you’re a homeowner who’s never listed on Airbnb, an investor running numbers right now, or someone who’s been thinking about buying or selling in North Texas and wondering if this changes your timing, this article is for you.
Airbnb officially launched the largest new host incentive program in company history on February 18, 2026. $750 cash bonus to new entire-home hosts in the DFW area who complete their first guest checkout by July 31, 2026. On top of your actual hosting income. Deloitte projects that Dallas-area hosts will average $4,400 in earnings during the tournament, fifth highest of any U.S. host city. And AT&T Stadium in Arlington is hosting nine matches, including a semifinal, more than any other venue in the country.
3.8 million visitors. $1.5 to $2.1 billion in projected economic impact. North Texas hasn’t seen anything like this since we hosted World Cup matches back in 1994. The opportunity is real. But so are the mistakes that will cost people money if they walk in unprepared.
Let’s get into it.
The $750 Airbnb Bonus: What It Actually Is and Whether You Qualify
Airbnb is an Official FIFA World Cup 2026™ Tournament Supporter, and the $750 bonus is their play to get new hosts onto the platform before the tournament starts. Here’s the exact structure:
- You must be new — no active listings as of February 1, 2026.
- Entire home only — not a shared room, not a private room. The whole property.
- Your property must be within eligible ZIP codes in the Dallas host city zone, which includes Dallas, Fort Worth, and Tarrant County. The list is broader than most people expect, check Airbnb’s official World Cup host page for the exact qualifying areas.
- A guest must complete checkout by July 31, 2026.
The $750 is meaningful but it’s the minimum story here. Airbnb reports that searches for stays in World Cup host cities are up 80% year-over-year. Dave Stephenson, Airbnb’s Chief Business Officer, stated directly that there’s never been a better time to become a host. That’s not marketing hyperbole in this context, that’s a demand signal.
The real question isn’t whether to collect $750. The real question is whether $4,400+ in hosting income, earned in a compressed window during the world’s most-watched sporting event, changes your math on property decisions you’ve already been sitting on.
The Earnings Projection Every North Texas Homeowner Needs to See
Here’s the Deloitte analysis reported by The Dallas Observer. Look at where Dallas lands and then I’ll tell you what it means strategically.
| Host City | Projected Earnings Per Host |
|---|---|
| New York – New Jersey | $5,700 |
| Boston | $5,200 |
| Los Angeles | $5,100 |
| Miami | $5,000 |
| Dallas (North Texas) | $4,400 ← That’s us. |
| Seattle | $3,800 |
| Atlanta | $3,700 |
| Kansas City | $3,500 |
| San Francisco Bay | $3,000 |
| Houston | $3,000 |
| Philadelphia | $1,900 |
$4,400 average. $262 per night. Across all 11 U.S. host cities, Airbnb projects nearly $156 million in total host earnings. That’s not a rounding error. That’s a market signal.
Here’s what most content about this tournament won’t tell you: the averages obscure what’s actually available to well-positioned North Texas homeowners. Homes near AT&T Stadium, DFW International Airport, Dallas Love Field, and entertainment districts in downtown Dallas and Arlington can command a significant premium above that $4,400 figure on match days, especially for the England vs. Croatia game, both Argentina fixtures, and the July 14 semifinal, where resale ticket prices are already in four-figure territory.
Five weeks of compressed international demand. Nine matches. One semifinal. If your home is positioned right and priced smart, the $4,400 average is a floor, not a ceiling.
The Full Match Schedule — Because Location Strategy Starts Here
Nine matches at Dallas Stadium (AT&T Stadium’s official FIFA designation). Five weeks of international fan traffic. Here’s what we’re working with:
| Date | Match | Kickoff (CT) |
|---|---|---|
| June 14 | Netherlands vs. Japan (Group F) | 3:00 PM |
| June 17 | England vs. Croatia (Group L) | 3:00 PM |
| June 22 | Argentina vs. Austria (Group J) | 12:00 PM |
| June 25 | Japan vs. UEFA Playoff Winner (Group F) | 6:00 PM |
| June 27 | Jordan vs. Argentina (Group J) | 9:00 PM |
| June 30 | Round of 32 | TBD |
| July 3 | Round of 32 | TBD |
| July 6 | Round of 16 | TBD |
| July 14 | ⚡ SEMIFINAL ⚡ | TBD |
England vs. Croatia. Two Argentina matches with massive international fan bases. The Netherlands and Japan. And a semifinal on July 14, which means Dallas is hosting potential final-four-level talent and the fans who will fly 6,000 miles to watch it.
The geographic demand story doesn’t start and end at Arlington. FIFA’s fan activation at Fair Park is projected to draw 35,000 fans per day for 39 consecutive days. There’s a fan zone at Klyde Warren Park in downtown Dallas, an FC Dallas celebration in Frisco, and training base camps spread across TCU, Toyota Stadium, UNT, SMU, and Mansfield. The demand is regional. If you’re in Fort Worth, Frisco, Denton, or anywhere in the broader metroplex, this matters for your property.
Regulations: The Part No One Wants to Read But Everyone Needs To
This is where homeowners lose money. Not from bad pricing. Not from unqualified guests. From skipping the regulatory due diligence and either paying fines or having their listing pulled right when demand peaks. Know the rules before you publish a listing.
Dallas
Dallas requires all short-term rental operators to register under Chapter 42B of the Dallas Code of Ordinances. You must register, comply with property standards and nuisance regulations, and handle hotel occupancy tax. Major platforms typically remit state-level taxes on your behalf, but you’re responsible for ensuring full compliance with both state and local requirements. Don’t assume the platform handles everything.
Fort Worth
Fort Worth approved a registration ordinance in 2023. STRs are permitted in mixed-use, commercial, and certain other districts, but not in many residential zoning designations (including A-#, AR, B, R1, R2, CR, C, D, and UR). Verify your zoning before listing. Registration and Hotel Occupancy Tax are both required.
Arlington – Read This Carefully
Arlington has the strictest rules in the Metroplex. Short-term rentals are banned in most residential neighborhoods. STRs are only permitted within a designated Short-Term Rental District roughly one mile around the Entertainment District, i.e AT&T Stadium, Globe Life Field, Six Flags. Outside that zone, you’re not eligible, full stop.
Inside the STR District: you need a city permit, the property typically must be your primary residence, maximum occupancy caps apply (generally 2 per bedroom plus 2), and hotel occupancy taxes land at roughly 15% total when you stack state, city, and convention components. Fines for violations start in the hundreds per offense and escalate. Multiple court challenges have upheld Arlington’s authority to restrict STRs. Compliance is non-negotiable here.
Texas State Tax
Texas imposes a 6% state hotel occupancy tax on all short-term rentals. Your platform may collect and remit this automatically, but confirm exactly what’s being handled on your behalf, and register with the Texas Comptroller if required.
Important: Regulations change. Always verify current requirements directly with your city’s official website or an attorney before listing not from a blog post, not from a friend in the business. Not even from me. From the primary source.
Insurance: Why Airbnb’s AirCover Isn’t Enough
I’ll say this plainly: AirCover is not your insurance policy. It’s a secondary protection layer. First-time hosts who treat it as their primary coverage are taking real financial risk.
Airbnb’s AirCover for Hosts includes up to $3 million in damage protection and $1 million in host liability insurance but with exclusions. It only applies to Airbnb bookings. It doesn’t cover shared spaces, wear and tear, and certain property categories.
The critical gap: most standard homeowners insurance policies exclude or limit coverage when you’re renting your home for profit. If you host guests and file a claim without disclosing your rental activity to your insurer, the claim can be denied.
Before you list:
- Call your insurance agent. Tell them exactly what you’re planning. Get the coverage question answered in writing.
- Ask specifically about a home-sharing endorsement or short-term rental rider on your current policy.
- Consider a dedicated STR policy – these cover property damage, guest liability, loss of income, vandalism, and theft in ways AirCover doesn’t.
- Treat AirCover as a secondary layer. Not your only layer.
Tax Intelligence: What the IRS Actually Says About Short-Term Rental Income
Short-term rental income is taxable income. Even if you only host for two weeks during the World Cup. Here’s what you need to understand.
The 14-Day Rule
If you rent your primary residence for 14 days or fewer during the calendar year, that rental income generally does not need to be reported to the IRS. This isn’t a gray area, it’s a specific provision in the tax code.
However: the moment you cross 14 rental days, the rules change completely. You must report all rental income, and the allocation between personal and rental use becomes a factor in deductions. This is where you absolutely need a CPA who understands short-term rental taxation.
What You Can Deduct When You Exceed 14 Days
For hosts who rent beyond the 14-day threshold, legitimate deductions can include:
- A portion of mortgage interest and property taxes
- Depreciation on the rental portion of the property
- Cleaning fees and maintenance costs
- Utilities, allocated between personal and rental use
- Furnishings, linens, toiletries, and supplies
- Professional photography and marketing expenses
- Platform fees and payment processing costs
- STR-specific insurance premiums
The math changes significantly based on your specific situation. Get a CPA involved before you start hosting, not after. The deduction opportunity is real, but so is the exposure if you get it wrong.
The Step-by-Step Hosting Launch Playbook
You’ve confirmed your property is eligible. You’ve handled insurance and talked to a tax professional. Here’s how you launch a World Cup listing that actually converts:
- Confirm regulations and HOA rules first. I’ve said this already. I’ll say it again. Zoning, STR permits, HOA restrictions. Primary source verification only.
- Deep clean and address safety items. Smoke and CO detectors. Loose railings. Tripping hazards. Fresh linens. Basic toiletries and kitchen essentials. Install a smart lock, keyless entry with trackable access is the standard for professional STR operations.
- Stage and photograph with intention. Hire a professional photographer. Natural light. Lead with the living area, primary bedroom, bathrooms, kitchen, and outdoor spaces. International travelers booking from 5,000 miles away are making decisions entirely based on photos.
- Write a listing title that includes location + benefit. Something like: “Modern 3BR Home, 15 Minutes to Dallas Stadium. Walk to Fan Festival Shuttle.” The more local details, the better.
- State the specifics in your description. Drive time to AT&T Stadium, Fair Park, downtown Dallas, and transit. Sleeping arrangements and max occupancy. Parking. Wi-Fi speed(this this matters enormously to international travelers)
- Price strategically, not emotionally. Research comparable active listings for the World Cup window. Spike your rates on match days, June 14, 17, 22, 25, 27, and the July 14 semifinal. Set a minimum stay of 3–5 nights to reduce turnover.
- Build a local guide for guests. Check-in/check-out instructions. Emergency contacts. Transit and rideshare guidance to the stadium and Fan Festival. Your favorite local restaurants. International visitors navigating an unfamiliar city will remember this, and it generates five-star reviews.
- Enroll in the $750 bonus program. Follow the instructions on Airbnb’s official FIFA host page and ensure your listing meets the entire-home requirement.
- Respond to inquiries within an hour. Booking conversion is heavily influenced by response speed.
- Create a five-star experience and ask for the review. Bottled water. Coffee. Local maps. A welcome note with match day tips. Strong reviews compound your visibility for the remainder of the tournament.
The Long Game: Will the World Cup Raise DFW Property Values?
This is the conversation most people aren’t having. They’re focused on the short-term rental income and that income is real. But the more important strategic question is what happens to North Texas property values over the next three to five years as a result of hosting this tournament.
Historical data from prior World Cups and Olympic Games shows consistent patterns: host cities typically see property value appreciation averaging around 2.5% above baseline in the years following the event, with luxury segments often performing the highest. Brazil’s 2014 World Cup saw double-digit price growth in key host markets over several years. Infrastructure investment in transportation, public spaces, and sports facilities delivers long-term returns that benefit residents well beyond the tournament window.
In North Texas, the World Cup is landing on top of market fundamentals that were already strong before FIFA made its decision. Major corporate relocations. Population growth. Job creation across the Metroplex. Relatively affordable pricing compared to coastal markets. World Cup-driven infrastructure improvements; transit upgrades, stadium enhancements, public amenity investment, will benefit DFW residents for years after the final whistle.
For buyers and investors thinking long-term, the 2026 World Cup isn’t primarily a short-term rental play. It’s an anchor event in the ongoing story of a region gaining global visibility at exactly the moment when its fundamentals justify sustained investment.
What This Means for Your Next Move in North Texas Real Estate
If You’re Thinking About Selling
The World Cup creates a strategic dual opportunity. You can generate substantial short-term rental income leading into the tournament, and you’re selling into a market receiving unprecedented national and international attention which supports demand and pricing, especially for well-located properties near venues and transit.
One approach worth considering: host during the tournament, then list for sale afterward. Capture both the income and the elevated market visibility in your neighborhood. That’s a calculated move, not a reactive one.
If You’re Thinking About Buying
Buying before the World Cup positions you to capture rental income during the tournament if your property type and location allow it and to benefit from post-event appreciation as infrastructure improvements compound with continued population growth.
This is particularly compelling if you’re relocating from California, Colorado, Utah, or Arizona and looking to maximize both lifestyle and long-term return in one transaction. The math on North Texas has been compelling for years. The World Cup accelerates the timeline for some of those decisions.
If You’re an Investor
The sophisticated plays worth evaluating:
- Properties near AT&T Stadium, Fair Park, and training centers – World Cup STR operation followed by mid-term corporate housing or travel nurse rentals in the off-season.
- Small multifamily and mixed-use assets that can flex between short-term and mid-term leasing depending on demand cycles.
- Suburban properties with strong school districts and amenities that will remain attractive to families long after the tournament ends.
Due diligence on zoning, licensing, and HOA rules is non-negotiable before any of these plays, especially in Arlington and certain Fort Worth neighborhoods. Get Started On Your STR Journey HERE
Straight Answers to the Questions I’m Actually Getting
How much does Airbnb pay DFW homeowners to host during the World Cup?
$750 USD cash bonus for new entire-home hosts in the Dallas host city zone who complete their first guest checkout by July 31, 2026. This is on top of your nightly earnings. Requires qualifying through Airbnb’s official FIFA host enrollment.
What are the World Cup match dates in Dallas?
Dallas Stadium (AT&T Stadium) hosts matches June 14 through July 14, 2026 – group stage, Round of 32, Round of 16, and the July 14 semifinal. Nine matches total.
Do I need a permit to list on Airbnb in Dallas or Fort Worth?
Almost certainly yes. Dallas requires registration under Chapter 42B. Fort Worth requires registration with zoning restrictions. Arlington’s rules are the strictest with most residential neighborhoods being ineligible. Verify with your specific city before listing and check your HOA’s CC&Rs if applicable.
Is my homeowners insurance enough for Airbnb hosting?
Probably not. Most standard policies exclude or limit coverage during for-profit rental activity. AirCover is valuable but it’s a secondary layer, not a primary insurance policy. Call your insurance agent before you list and get the answer in writing.
Will the World Cup increase North Texas property values?
Historical data from prior World Cups and major sporting events suggests yes, host cities typically see meaningful property appreciation in the years following, driven by infrastructure investment, increased global visibility, and sustained tourism growth. DFW’s fundamentals were already strong. The World Cup is an accelerant, not the engine.
How Many Times Can I Collect the $750?
Airbnb is offering a one time $750 bonus and only if you’re new. If you already are active on Airbnb, this won’t apply to you and you can only collect this if you complete your first rental before July 31.
I want to talk through my specific situation. Who do I call?
Me. Bobby Franklin, North Texas Market Insider. 214-228-0003.
The Bottom Line: A 30-Day Window to Position for a $4,400+ Opportunity
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is a multi-billion-dollar economic event landing in North Texas this summer. The window to position for maximum upside is closing fast. Airbnb’s $750 bonus requires a completed first stay by July 31. Listings take time to gain visibility and reviews. If you’re going to act, you need to start the process in the next 30 days, not 60, and definitely not after the group stage starts.
Whether you’re in Waxahachie or Frisco, Fort Worth or Garland, the combination of immediate rental income and long-term market tailwinds has never been more aligned. Chaos is opportunity. This is the most organized, foreseeable, and actionable opportunity North Texas homeowners have seen in a generation.
Don’t wait for the mainstream real estate conversation to catch up with what I’m telling you right now. Act like someone who’s five steps ahead. Because in this market, five steps ahead is exactly where the advantage lives.
Ready to talk through what this means for your property or your next real estate move?
Bobby Franklin, REALTOR®
Legacy Realty Group – Leslie Majors Team
📲 214-228-0003 | northtexasmarketinsider.com
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Disclaimer: Nothing in this article is legal, tax, or financial advice. Short-term rental rules, tax obligations, lending standards, and market conditions change regularly. Always consult a licensed attorney, CPA, insurance professional, and real estate broker familiar with your specific city, property type, and circumstances before acting on any information here. This content is designed to comply with the Fair Housing Act, RESPA, and applicable advertising regulations. It does not express preferences or limitations based on any protected class.
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