World Cup 2026: Airbnb Offers $750 Incentive to New Bergen County Hosts

The 2026 FIFA World Cup is no longer a distant event on the horizon. It is a present reality that’s less than 90 days away, creating an unprecedented buzz across the region. With MetLife Stadium set to host eight matches starting June 13th, Bergen County is ground zero for global soccer fans.

This influx of millions of visitors has created a “super-cycle” of demand that local hotel inventory in the New York and New Jersey area can’t accommodate. Consequently, short-term rentals are in high demand. Capitalizing on this crunch, Airbnb is rolling out its biggest incentive program ever to entice New Jersey homeowners near the venue to list their properties.

Here is what Bergen County homeowners need to know about the $750 Airbnb New Host Incentive.

Table of Contents

The Incentive: How to Qualify for Your $750 Reward

The “Surge” Demand: Why Your Entire Home is Valuable

Eligible Bergen County Zip Codes: Highlighting the Impact Zones

Survival Strategy: STR Rules, Insurance, and Safety

The Incentive: How to Qualify for Your $750 Reward

In an effort to rapidly increase its supply before the opening kickoff, Airbnb is offering a special cash reward for new hosts who can help meet the surging demand.

• The Reward: Eligible new hosts could receive an extra $750 USD reward for listing their home and hosting their first guests by the tournament’s conclusion. This is on top of the actual rental income earned.
• Who is Eligible: To qualify, a host must be completely new to Airbnb or have had no active home listings as of February 1, 2026.
• The “Entire Home” Rule: The incentive applies only to entire home listings. It is not eligible for those renting out single rooms or shared spaces.
• Key Requirements: New hosts must submit their information on Airbnb’s dedicated FIFA New Host Reward landing page before publishing, list an entire home in an eligible zone, and complete a reservation with a total price of at least $100 before taxes by July 31, 2026.
• Payout: Canceled bookings are not eligible. The one-time reward is paid through the host’s default payout method within 45 days of the completed stay. Prospect hosts can sign up here.

The “Surge” Demand: Why Your Entire Home is Valuable

MetLife Stadium will host five high-profile group stage matchups featuring global powerhouses such as Brazil, France, Germany, and England, followed by three knockout rounds, culminating in the World Cup Final on July 19, 2026 at 3:00 pm (ET).

According to data from Deloitte, while the average host across North America might earn $3,000 during the tournament, that figure jumps significantly in the NY-NJ metro area. Allison Pries of NJ.com reported that local homeowners sitting within miles of the stadium are being told they could make roughly $5,700 for renting out their house.

With an estimated 1.3 million international travelers staying an average of 12 days and spending billions, the “hotel gap” is real. Fans are looking for entire homes that provide kitchens, living areas, and multiple rooms, rather than a small, expensive hotel room.

Eligible Bergen County Zip Codes: Highlighting the Impact Zones

Airbnb’s incentive program is strictly governed by “eligible event zones.” To check if your specific property qualifies for the bonus, you must use the lookup tool on the official landing page. Current hosts referring to new hosts can check their eligibility via zip code as well.

Based on the most current data, the following Bergen County municipalities below are highlighted as eligible impact zones for the $750 bonus. Please reach out to Airbnb directly for towns not listed, confirmation on the below list, and bonus eligibility.

* Based on March 22, 2026 data (subject to change, please confirm with Airbnb).

Survival Strategy: STR Rules, Insurance, and Safety

While the incentive is enticing, it is critical that homeowners approach hosting responsibly.

• Local Laws and Zoning: Do not list your home without checking your local municipal code. Many Bergen County towns have strict ordinances regarding short-term rentals (STRs). Some require registration, inspections, liability insurance, and limits on the number of nights rented. For example, some search results highlight strict laws in neighboring Jersey City. You must verify the rules in your SPECIFIC Bergen County town.
• Insurance: Standard homeowners’ policies often do not cover commercial STR activity. One World Cup booking could potentially void your coverage. Before you list, make sure you have a policy that explicitly covers these risks.
• Compliance is Earning Power: Compliance with local laws is the prerequisite for unlocking your property’s full earning potential during the “super-cycle.”

Join the World Cup Celebration

The 2026 World Cup is a once in a generation opportunity for Bergen County. While the operational logistics may require careful planning, the potential financial return both from the incentive and the surge rental income is historic.

If you are a homeowner or own residential real estate property in the eligible zones, this is your chance to earn substantial income. Verify your zip code, get compliant, and “Cash in on the Cup”.

Are you looking to buy, sell, or assess the investment potential of your Bergen County home before the 2026 World Cup? Reach out to the Bergen Real Estate team today for expert guidance in this unique and fast-moving market.