Airbnb joined the FIFA World Cup 2026 New York New Jersey Host Committee on Wednesday to announce a significant investment in local communities ahead of next year’s tournament. The event, which occurred on a Brooklyn soccer field, featured city leaders, community organizations, and two-time FIFA Women’s World Cup champion Carli Lloyd.
Jay Carney, Airbnb’s global head of policy and communications, opened the event by thanking the Host Committee and local leaders for their work preparing for the tournament. “Soccer is growing as a true American sport thanks to incredible trailblazers like Carli Lloyd,” Carney said. He noted that global events like the World Cup bring people together, create opportunities, and inspire future generations of players.
The initiative includes creating five new mini-soccer pitches across the outer boroughs, fan festivals in the Bronx, and a community day at the National Tennis Center in Queens. Carney emphasized that the investment will leave a lasting legacy, enabling local children to play, learn teamwork, and engage with mentors.
Airbnb hosts are expected to welcome approximately 25,000 guests across New York and New Jersey during the tournament. The company estimates this will generate $288 million in regional GDP, support more than 1,100 full-time equivalent jobs, and provide nearly $6,000 in supplemental income to each host. “When you book an Airbnb, the money stays in the community,” Carney said, highlighting the impact on neighborhood businesses, restaurants, and shops.
Council Member Francisco Moya spoke about the broader community benefits, noting that soccer can be a tool for public policy, building safer streets, healthier kids, and stronger neighborhoods. Christine Quinn, President and CEO of Women in Need (WIN), emphasized the role of sports in helping children cope with trauma and providing opportunities for homeless youth, praising Airbnb and FIFA for their support of local programs.
Jennifer Arnold, vice president of Marketing and Communications at the U.S. Soccer Foundation, emphasized the importance of community access to sports. “These pitches are more than fields; they’re places where kids make friends, connect with mentors, and find a sense of belonging,” she said.
The press event concluded with a youth soccer clinic featuring local coaches and Carli Lloyd, highlighting the connection between professional sports, community engagement, and youth development.
The partnership between Airbnb, FIFA, and the NY/NJ Host Committee underscores a commitment to ensuring that the 2026 FIFA World Cup™ leaves a lasting positive impact on neighborhoods across the region.
