Tips for Homeowners in Los Angeles, San Francisco & Seattle

Next summer, the World Cup is coming to North America, and the West Coast will be at the center of the excitement. Seattle is set to host six matches (including a high-profile U.S. team match), San Francisco will host another six, and Los Angeles will host eight, also featuring a U.S. team match.

With tens of thousands of fans expected to flood these cities, short-term rental demand will skyrocket. Travelers will be searching for comfortable, well-equipped homes where their groups can stay together, celebrate, and watch the games. For homeowners, this is a rare chance to maximize bookings, and the time to start preparing is now.

To help you make the most of this opportunity, here are seven smart ways to get your vacation rental game-ready before kickoff.

1. Maximize Your Sleeping Capacity
During major sporting events, groups value space over perfection. They want to be together under one roof, even if not every bed is plush.

Take a close look at your current sleeping setup. Could an office daybed be listed as a double? Could you add a sleeper sofa or trundle bed in a low-traffic area? Even two extra spots can dramatically increase your listing’s visibility in searches. If you have older or flimsy furniture, consider upgrading it to sturdier, more comfortable sleepers that will hold up well beyond the tournament. A little creative rearranging now can go a long way in positioning your home as the perfect base for traveling fan groups.

2. Get Your Tech Game-Ready
Guests will be watching matches live, replaying highlights, and streaming pre- and post-game coverage.

Make sure TVs, projectors and sound systems are fully set up, tested, and easy to use without any technical adjustments. It’s also worth looking into paid sports channels or streaming packages that will carry World Cup coverage during the tournament. And don’t forget the basics: provide clear, simple instructions for using remotes and accessing channels so guests can dive right in without frustration. Also, ensure high-speed Wi-Fi is flawless for streaming.

3. Keep Amenities in Peak Condition
After a long day of cheering, exploring, and celebrating, guests will want to unwind, and your amenities can make or break their experience.

Keep your pool and hot tub sparkling clean and fully operational, as it will be a big draw for groups. Likewise, outdoor features like BBQs, fire pits, and landscaped patios create inviting social spaces that help your property stand out. Double-check air conditioning and if your property does not have A/C, think about investing in one or at least in adding portable A/Cs and blackout curtains for Summer heat. Add workspace or lounge zones for guests mixing work and play. These details may seem small, but they’re the touches that turn a good stay into a great one.

4. Stock and Equip Your Kitchen for Full Capacity
World Cup travelers often stay in, cook meals together and watch the games so your kitchen will play a starring role. Nothing frustrates large groups faster than not having enough plates, mugs, or cookware for everyone. Make sure you have enough items to handle twice the number of your maximum group size, not because twice as many people will show up, but because guests don’t want to do dishes after each use. Add larger-format cookware (big pots, sheet pans, serving bowls, cutting boards)  so groups can cook for everyone at once. When your kitchen is well-stocked and guest-ready, it helps groups feel at home and encourages longer stays,  especially during a multi-week event like the World Cup.

5. Upgrade to Keyless Entry
During the World Cup, your property may see larger groups with multiple adults coming and going on different schedules which can quickly become chaotic if you rely on physical keys. A keyless electronic keypad can eliminate common headaches and create a smoother experience for everyone. This way guests can check in and out independently, without coordinating key handoffs. There’s no risk of lost or copied keys, which keeps your home secure. You can update entry codes between stays for added safety. Many smart locks allow you to set temporary codes that expire automatically at checkout time.

This small upgrade saves you and your guests from logistical hassles, and creates a modern, professional impression that travelers love. It’s especially helpful when your property is at full occupancy and different people are coming and going throughout the day.

We recommend the Schlage Encode Smart Wi-Fi keypad since we can connect this model to our reservation management system and automatically create codes for each guest that work from their check-in date and expire automatically at checkout.

6. Let Your Management Team Handle Pricing & Bookings
As your property managers, we will handle pricing strategy and booking rules for the event. We use data-driven tools to open booking calendars at the right time (often about six months out) and adjust rates dynamically as demand builds. This means you don’t need to worry about when to open your calendar or how to price your nights and you can stay focused on creating an amazing guest experience.

7. Think Beyond the Tournament
Yes, the World Cup will drive a massive surge in bookings but the improvements you make now will pay off long after the final whistle blows.

We always recommend reinvesting a bit into your property each year to keep it competitive. Upgraded sleeping setups, guest-ready tech, and inviting outdoor spaces will help you attract travelers year-round, not just during major events. Think of these upgrades as part of your long-term strategy, with the World Cup simply serving as the perfect motivator to start.

With tens of thousands of fans expected to flood into Seattle, Los Angeles and San Francisco, the 2026 World Cup is a once-in-a-decade opportunity for vacation rental homeowners. By preparing now, you can position your property as the ultimate game-day getaway for traveling fans and keep it competitive well beyond next Summer.