With the 2026 FIFA World Cup kicking off this June, Toronto has been checking boxes fast. Expanded seating at BMO Field? Done. Public health prep, including half a million free condoms? Covered. But housing the estimated 300,000 fans heading into the city? That’s where things get complicated.

Hotel prices have already surged — up roughly 78 per cent on average — ahead of the tournament. Add in a temporary 2.5 per cent municipal tax hike on hotels and short-term rentals, and visitors are bracing for steep stays. Not everyone is thrilled, especially hotel operators now facing their own surcharge.

Sensing opportunity, Airbnb is stepping in with a $1,015 incentive for first-time Toronto hosts willing to rent out their entire homes during the tournament. The company estimates hosts could earn an average of $2,715 per day, reflecting sky-high demand across all 16 host cities.

There are strings attached: the offer applies only to new hosts listing full homes, not spare rooms. Still, for some Torontonians, the math might make sense — especially if it funds a strategic escape from the World Cup frenzy. Montreal in July, anyone?