The Impact of the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Housing Markets

Opening Play

If you think the 2026 FIFA World Cup is just a 39-day celebration of beautiful goals and record-setting ticket sales, think again. For Los Angeles, Kansas City, and Miami—three of the tournament’s U.S. headliners—the real drama will unfold off the pitch. With 6.5 million fans chasing beds, landlords pursuing short-term profits, and municipalities scrambling for last-minute solutions, the event could ignite the very housing shortages developers and investors have been trying to solve. The question isn’t whether the ripple will hit—it’s how we position ourselves when it does.

Understanding the Short-Term Rental Landscape

Short-Term Rentals Go on the Offensive

Hotel pipelines can't keep pace with World Cup demand. This is especially evident in Kansas City’s undersupplied market and LA’s already squeezed Westside. Higher nightly rates on Airbnb and its peers tempt landlords to sideline long-term tenants. As a result, inventory shrinks while rents continue to climb.

Historical Stats Don’t Lie

Historical data shows a clear trend regarding mega-events and their impact on housing:

• Rio’s pre-Olympic rent surge: +132% between 2008–2013

• Phoenix’s 2023 Super Bowl: STR listings doubled in four weeks

• LA study (McGill, 2022): STR activity adds $810/year to average rents

  
  

These statistics indicate that while mega-events lift net operating income (NOI) for property owners, they often displace the workforce that keeps cities functioning.

Regulation Is Still in Extra Time

Most host cities must file “human-rights action plans” with FIFA by August. However, enforcement lags significantly. Currently, about 70% of STRs in Los Angeles operate without a proper license. Kansas City and Miami are scrambling to update ordinances while their housing agencies are already stretched thin.

Why It Matters for Developers & Capital Partners

Pipeline Timing

Multifamily construction starts are slowing nationally for the first time since 2020. Delivering new projects in 2026–27 could position your assets as necessary “relief valves” following the World Cup.

Value-Add Angles

Buildings with expiring STR permits may become available at discounts once regulations tighten. These properties can be prime targets for repositioning opportunities.

Public-Private Incentives

Cities under FIFA pressure will actively seek investors capable of marrying affordability mandates with rapid execution. Think density bonuses, tax abatements, and expedited approvals as tools to attract investment.

The Broader Implications for Communities

The World Cup doesn’t just impact housing; it dramatically affects local communities. The influx of tourists and the competition for rental units can lead to increased living costs. This can create long-term challenges for local residents, who may find themselves priced out of their neighborhoods.

Engaging Local Stakeholders

Local governments must engage with community stakeholders to devise real and sustainable solutions. This can involve collaborative housing initiatives that protect long-term residents while still capitalizing on the economic opportunities presented by the World Cup.

Preserving Affordability

Sustainability and affordability must be at the forefront of housing development conversations. As developers eye opportunities during this major event, they must also be aware of their responsibilities to local communities.

The Final Whistle

Whether you’re scouting new ground-up deals in LA, hunting adaptive-reuse opportunities in Downtown KC, or eyeing value-add towers in Miami’s Edgewater, the World Cup’s housing crunch is a significant risk to consider. It can also serve as a once-in-a-cycle catalyst for outsized returns.

At DanReDev LLC, we’re already modeling scenarios, stress-testing rents, and structuring partnerships that balance profit with long-term community resilience. Want to see how we’re turning market dislocation into durable alpha? Explore our latest projects, data dashboards, and investor resources across the site—and subscribe so you never miss a play. The next post drops soon, and you’ll want front-row seats.

In conclusion, understanding the complexities surrounding the 2026 FIFA World Cup will be key for developers and investors. By navigating the fluctuating landscape of housing, there's potential not just for profits, but for true community enhancement in the vibrant cities hosting the event.