Why World Cup 2026 Will Increase Demand for Short-Term Rental Insurance

• February 27, 2026

By Jeremy Layton

The 2026 FIFA World Cup is coming to the U.S. this summer, from June 11 to July 19. This six-week global spectacle is expected to generate the largest surge in demand for short-term rentals in American history. For insurance agents, this represents a unique opportunity to help landlords protect themselves during an unprecedented surge in demand.

The tournament, which takes place every four years, is being hosted jointly by the U.S.A, Mexico and Canada. Eleven U.S. cities are set to host World Cup matches, drawing an estimated 5 million international visitors.

Historical data from previous World Cups has shown a surge in rental prices. For example, during the Qatar games in 2022, rental prices jumped 112% on average; in Russia 2018, Moscow landlords raised prices by 150-300%. Early data from Los Angeles shows properties near SoFi Stadium are seeing price increases of up to 1,000% during World Cup dates.

This price surge means landlords who normally operate long-term rentals will convert to short-term for the summer. Meanwhile, others who’ve never offered short-term rentals are expected to list their properties just for the World Cup. That’s where the insurance conversation becomes critical.

Here’s the problem: standard homeowners and landlord insurance policies typically exclude or limit coverage for short-term rental activity. A landlord who switches from long-term to short-term rental for the World Cup without updating their insurance coverage could find themselves completely uninsured if something goes wrong.

During major events, risks multiply significantly. International travelers, large groups celebrating matches, language barriers, alcohol consumption, and the general chaos of a major sporting event all increase the likelihood of property damage, liability claims and other incidents. A landlord charging $2,000 per night for their property near MetLife Stadium for the World Cup final could face tens of thousands in uncovered damages if they don’t have proper short-term rental insurance.

What Is Short-Term Rental Insurance?

Short-term rental insurance differs from traditional landlord insurance in key ways. Depending on the policy, it provides property damage coverage for higher turnover, liability protection for transient guests, loss of income coverage reflecting higher nightly rates and business personal property protection.

For the World Cup, landlords should consider increasing liability limits given the presence of international guests and the risk of celebration-related incidents. Properties charging $150 a night might get $600-1,500 a night during the World Cup, so, if required, loss of income limits may need adjustment.

Additionally, every host city has different short-term rental regulations. Cities like Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco and Boston require specific permits, with fines reaching thousands of dollars for violations.

As trusted advisors, agents should remind clients about regulatory requirements. A landlord fined for operating without a permit may also have their coverage voided if they were operating illegally at the time of a claim.

The conversation with landlords should focus on protection, not just compliance. Key talking points include the coverage gap in standard policies, the increased risks during major events, the potential for claims from international guests who may be harder to pursue for damages, and the peace of mind that comes from knowing a client is properly covered during their most profitable rental period of the year.

Landlords planning to rent their properties for the World Cup should review their insurance coverage at least 60-90 days before their first booking, giving them time to secure proper coverage, understand what’s included and excluded, adjust limits based on their specific pricing strategy, and make changes to the property to ensure safety.

Jeremy Layton is web marketing lead at Steadily.