For example, in October, Airbnb officials donated $1 million to the New York and New Jersey Host Committee to fund five new soccer mini-pitches across several communities to support youth soccer.
Local impact
In a Dec. 2 news conference, officials with Airbnb announced that Houston will also receive a $1 million investment that will go toward supporting major community initiatives, expanding green infrastructure and increasing youth access to soccer.
Airbnb's sponsorship will specifically help support two major initiatives—The Green Corridor and Grow the Game.
The Green Corridor
The Green Corridor, according to a Dec. 2 news release, will be a 14-mile sustainable transit loop that connects key FIFA World Cup 26 venues, including the FIFA Fan Festival site in East Downtown and NRG Stadium, as well as weaves through some of Houston's nearby neighborhoods and community spaces.
The project is intended to enhance walkability, provide heat relief with shaded paths and water refill stations, highlight local biodiversity, and expand tree canopy coverage. According to the release, the corridor will also feature amenities such as interactive maps, sustainability education and innovative transit options.
"Projects like the Green Corridor will make Houston more accessible and inviting, connecting neighborhoods and expanding green spaces for all," said Julian Ramirez, an at-large City Council member for Houston City Council.
Grow the Game
This initiative is designed to be a long-term pillar of bringing the FIFA World Cup to Houston that is focused on expanding access to soccer for residents of all ages and backgrounds.
Part of Airbnb's $1 million sponsorship will go towards the Grow the Game program to renovate soccer fields in underserved communities, launch free or low-cost youth clinics and tournaments, and create certification pathways for coaches and referees, per the release. The initiative will also provide free club soccer registration, uniforms and equipment for hundreds of kids across the city.
Chris Canetti, president of the FIFA World Cup 26 Houston Host Committee, said having a global event like the FIFA World Cup in Houston is helping create a generational opportunity for the city.
“It’s so much more than a game—it’s about honoring our city and the people that make it great," he said. "In Houston, we’re proud to be working together with Airbnb to ensure these benefits are felt far beyond the games, investing in projects that will leave our city better off for generations to come.”
Also of note
As part of the program, Airbnb officials and members of the FIFA World Cup 26 Houston Host Committee are aiming to break a Guinness World Records title for the longest line of soccer balls, which would include lining up more than 1,000 soccer balls along the Green Corridor in March.
After the feat, officials said the soccer balls will be donated to the Grow the Game initiative.
One more thing
The 2026 World Cup draw is set for Dec. 5 in Washington, D.C., at noon Eastern Standard Time. The draw will determine the groups and matchups for next summer's tournament.
Houston's Host Committee will throw a community watch party for the draw at Little Woodrow's in EaDo, with doors opening at 9 a.m. Fans will be able to watch live as the tournament groups are revealed, speak with committee members and participate in soccer-themed activations.
An announcement about the venues and kickoff times for the group stage will follow Dec. 6.
