Airbnb provides 1,000 NY & NJ youth FIFA World Cup 2026™ tickets

Airbnb announced it will provide 1,000 FIFA World Cup 2026™ tickets to local youth from communities across New York and New Jersey, giving the next generation the opportunity to attend this historic sporting event. As an official tournament supporter and in partnership with community organizations, Airbnb will provide match tickets to locals, helping ensure more communities across the region can share in the excitement of the tournament.

The announcement took place at the Jamaica YMCA, where Airbnb was joined by representatives from the YMCA of Greater New York, local elected officials, and community groups and leaders. Students from M.S. 217Q Robert A. Van Wyck were surprised with the announcement and participated in a soccer experience with local coaches.

"The World Cup is a once-in-a-generation moment, and locals should be a part of it. We're especially excited to be giving the next generation of fans across the region the chance to witness history in their own backyard. We want to make sure the biggest sporting event on the planet has a positive, lasting impact for the everyday folks who live in this community, especially the kids," said Jay Carney, Global Head of Policy and Communications for Airbnb.

As part of the initiative, Airbnb will identify nonprofit organizations across New York and New Jersey to select ticket recipients. The selected youth will have the opportunity to attend a FIFA World Cup 2026™ match at NYNJ Stadium, which for many, will be their first time attending a global sporting event of this scale, or even a soccer match.

"Hosting the World Cup is about so much more than the game being played on the field. It's about engaging our local communities and giving New Jersey families memories that will last a lifetime," said New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill. "We are thrilled to partner with Airbnb to give kids from New Jersey the opportunity to be part of this historic moment."

"New York is ready to welcome the world for the 2026 FIFA World Cup and we're grateful for Airbnb's efforts to bring the excitement of the game to the fans that call New York home," said New York Governor Kathy Hochul. "This free ticket giveaway is an incredible partnership that will give our youngest fans a ticket to the front row, ensuring families in every community get to be a part of this historic event."

"As a forever educator and a champion for youth, I believe moments like this demonstrate what is possible when we lead with vision and partnership. The FIFA World Cup is one of the world's greatest stages, and through strong public-private collaboration, we are ensuring that underserved young people are not excluded from it, but fully included in its promise and possibility. This initiative is about more than access to a game, it is about expanding horizons, inspiring dreams, and affirming for our young people, especially those in foster care, that they belong in every space the world has to offer. I am proud to champion partners like HeartShare St. Vincent's, whose commitment to supporting foster youth is creating life-changing opportunities for them to experience this historic moment firsthand. This is the kind of investment we must continue to make, one that centers equity, opens doors, and reminds every young person that their future is limitless," said New York City Council Member Rita Joseph.

"Tickets to experience a once-in-a-lifetime event like the FIFA World Cup don't just create lasting memories; they expand horizons, especially for our youth," said New York City Council Member Selvena Brooks-Powers. "I applaud Airbnb's efforts not only to invest in our city's economic success throughout the World Cup but also in the future leaders of NYC. Sharing tickets with kids who might not otherwise have the chance to attend helps them see themselves as part of something bigger and may help them imagine new possibilities for their future."

"Our kids deserve a seat at the table, or in this case, a seat in the stadium. For many of these young people, this will be their first time at an event of this scale, and for a kid from Brooklyn, that could be life-changing. Thank you to Airbnb and all the partner organizations for making that happen. I'll be rooting loud from District 46, and I'll be even louder if we get a USA-Haiti final," said New York City Council Member Mercedes Narcisse.

"The YMCA of Greater New York is proud to partner with Airbnb to provide FIFA World Cup 2026 tickets to youth & families in New York City," said Sharon Greenberger, President & CEO of the YMCA of Greater New York. "Airbnb's generosity will give hundreds of New Yorkers the opportunity to experience the magic of World Cup soccer firsthand, strengthening their connection to the game and creating memories that will last a lifetime."

"For many of the New York families we serve, opportunities to attend a global event like the World Cup are simply out of reach," said Christine C. Quinn, President & CEO of Win NYC. "Airbnb's commitment to bring moments like this to more families, especially young people, helps ensure that more families, regardless of their financial circumstances, can feel included in the cultural life of their communities. We commend Airbnb and congratulate all the many children and families celebrating this moment."

"We are committed to ensuring the legacy of the World Cup grows the game and creates lasting opportunity for the next generation of New Yorkers and New Jerseyans," said Alex Lasry, CEO of the New York New Jersey Host Committee. "Through this extraordinary commitment from Airbnb, young people from communities across New York and New Jersey will have the chance to be part of a once-in-a-generation moment-helping inspire future players, fans, and leaders across our region."

This initiative builds on Airbnb's over $1 million commitment to build new soccer mini-pitches across New York and New Jersey and support community celebrations during the tournament. Through the Airbnb Host City Impact Program, we are working to create spaces for youth to play, grow, and share in the excitement, and define the legacy of the tournament for future generations. This March, Airbnb donated 1,000 FIFA World Cup 2026™ tickets for young fans from underserved communities across Mexico as part of our commitment to making the games accessible for more communities.

According to Deloitte, Airbnb hosts in the New York-New Jersey region are expected to welcome approximately 25,000 guests, generating $288 million in GDP, supporting over 1,100 full-time equivalent jobs through 2026, and creating nearly $6,000 in supplemental income per stay. These benefits highlight the powerful role short-term rentals play in expanding access to the region's tourism economy for everyday residents.