FIFA announces major multi-tournament partnership with Airbnb

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FIFA and Airbnb Join Forces in Groundbreaking Multi-Tournament Deal
Credit: Airbnb

FIFA has announced a new major partnership with online accommodation marketplace Airbnb, spanning over three tournaments.

As part of the deal, Airbnb becomes a top-tier official partner for the FIFA Club World Cup, which kicked off in the U.S. on the 13th of June.

The company will also join FIFA’s official supporter tier for the 2026 Men’s World Cup, taking place across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, as well as the 2027 Women’s World Cup in Brazil.

In its new role, Airbnb will be FIFA’s official platform for booking alternative accommodations and local experiences.

That means fans traveling to host cities will be able to find unique places to stay and book memorable activities during the tournaments.

Some of the first experiences available during the Club World Cup include a private training session with former U.S. men’s national team goalkeeper Tim Howard, the chance to watch a match with his former teammate Cobi Jones, and an exclusive pre-game analysis session led by a senior expert from FIFA’s technical study group.

Airbnb took its first big step into sports sponsorship in 2019 when it partnered with the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to become a TOP sponsor of the Olympic Games.

Building on that momentum, the company was recently announced as an official partner of the Tour de France for the next three years, following this summer’s Games in Paris.

Now, Airbnb is expanding its presence in sports through a new partnership with FIFA, echoing its previous deals by focusing on one-of-a-kind experiences and encouraging fans to use the platform to book places to stay during the events.

To support the launch of the FIFA partnership, a new study by Deloitte estimates that over 380,000 Airbnb guests will travel to the 2026 Men’s World Cup, potentially contributing around US$3.6 billion (AUD$5.01 billion) to the economies of host cities.

Airbnb has also pledged US$5 million (AUD$7.66 million) to a Host City Impact Program for the 2026 tournament.

Through this initiative, it will work with local governments to fund projects that boost economic development and enhance the visitor experience.

Airbnb CEO Brian Chesky said the company is proud to partner with FIFA to offer unique fan experiences and help host hundreds of thousands of guests during the 2026 World Cup, while also supporting local economies.

“The World Cup brings the world together – and so do we,” Chesky said in a press release.

“Airbnb is proud to partner with Fifa to offer fans once-in-a-lifetime experiences during the tournaments – while welcoming hundreds of thousands of guests during the 2026 Fifa World Cup and driving meaningful economic impact for local communities.”

Airbnb’s latest move into sports sponsorship comes at a time when the company is seeing a dip in demand in the U.S., which it has attributed to broader economic uncertainty.

With North America making up 45% of Airbnb’s US$11.1 billion (AUD$17 billion) in revenue in 2024, the upcoming major tournaments in its home market present a valuable opportunity to boost engagement and bring more users back to the platform.

Airbnb joins a growing list of sponsors for the FIFA Club World Cup, alongside long-time FIFA partners like Coca-Cola, Visa, and Adidas, as well as Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF).

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FV Celebrates Major Facility Upgrades Across Regional Victoria Under RCSIF

Staff Writer
Image Credit: Shutterstock 2472394857

Football Victoria (FV) is pleased to acknowledge the announcement of four successful projects funded through the Victorian Government’s Regional Community Sports Infrastructure Fund (RCSIF), which will deliver vital upgrades to key football facilities throughout regional Victoria.

The RCSIF is a $60 million initiative from the Allan Labor Government designed to improve community sports infrastructure with a focus on inclusivity and accessibility.

FV is proud to spotlight the following projects that have secured funding:

Thompson Reserve (Inverloch Stars SC)
This upgrade will feature the construction of female-friendly change rooms and enhanced lighting, encouraging greater participation among women and girls.

Dixon Field (Gisborne SC)
Essential lighting improvements will be implemented to expand training and match capacity, supporting the increasing demand for football in the Macedon Ranges.

Victoria Park (Daylesford & Hepburn United SC)
The project will include lighting enhancements to improve venue usability and support broader access for the local football community.

Romsey Recreation Reserve (Macedon Rangers SC)
Funding will go towards planning and design works for new lighting and redevelopment of the main playing surface, laying the groundwork for future infrastructure development.

FV’s Head of Government Relations & Strategy, Lachlan Cole, expressed his excitement about the funding and the positive impact it will bring to regional football communities:

 “These investments are a testament to the importance of football in regional communities.

“Upgraded facilities not only created better playing experiences but also promote social connection in the community and allow for more people to play the game they love.”

Introducing the Nine Ad Manager Association and Community Club of the Year Awards

Staff Writer
Image Credit: Football NSW

Football NSW is proud to introduce the inaugural Football NSW Association of the Year Award, which will be presented at the Football NSW State Dinner on Saturday, October 25th. This prestigious new accolade will be awarded alongside our State Awards, Future Leader Award, Fair Play Award, and the esteemed George Churchward Medal.

Proudly sponsored by Nine Ad Manager, the Association of the Year Award recognises a Football NSW Association that has demonstrated outstanding leadership and commitment to the growth and development of football both within its region and across the state.

The winning Association will be one that actively empowers its clubs to enrich the football experience for players, coaches, referees, and volunteers. It will also be a strong collaborator—working constructively with Football NSW and peer Associations to safeguard and advance the long-term integrity of the game.

The Nine Ad Manager Association of the Year will have shown exceptional achievement or innovation in enhancing football delivery, across areas such as:

  • Innovative approaches to football delivery
  • Club development and support
  • Volunteer recognition and engagement
  • Development pathways for players, coaches, and referees
  • Strong governance practices
  • Creation of a safe, inclusive, and positive environment
  • Long-term strategic planning for growth and sustainability
  • Community outreach and advocacy
  • Promotion of diversity and inclusion (e.g., women and girls, CALD communities)
  • Collaborative partnerships with councils, schools, sponsors, and community groups

Launching in 2025: Nine Ad Manager Community Club of the Year Award

Also debuting in 2025, the Nine Ad Manager Community Club of the Year Award will celebrate a Community Club affiliated with a Football NSW Association that has shown exceptional leadership in raising the profile of grassroots football.

This award will honour a Club that works closely with its Association to foster growth, excellence, and community impact. The winning Club will have demonstrated innovation and excellence in football delivery across areas such as:

  • Recognition as a Club Changer Club
  • A commitment to creating a safe, inclusive, and welcoming environment
  • Volunteer support and appreciation
  • Development of players, coaches, and referees—especially through engagement with Association and State pathway programs
  • Strong governance
  • Fostering a positive club culture
  • Outstanding community advocacy and engagement
  • On-field excellence and achievement

Each Association will be invited to nominate one Community Club within its region for consideration. Nomination forms will be distributed in the coming weeks, and Associations are encouraged to begin gathering information in preparation. Community Clubs interested in being nominated should contact their Association directly.

Award Prizes

The winners of both the Nine Ad Manager Association of the Year and Community Club of the Year will receive a complimentary $2,000 AUD campaign via the Nine Ad Manager Platform. Two runners-up in each category will receive a $1,000 AUD campaign.

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