Rio Ferdinand heads to the World Cup (Image: Ethan Gulley / Airbnb)
He may have retired from international football in 2013, but Rio Ferdinand is heading to the World Cup. And he’s teamed up with Airbnb to give soccer fans the trip of a lifetime.
The former England captain has been either a player or a pundit in every competition since 1998 and will be attending a tournament as a fan for the first time in 30 years.
Rio will be in Los Angeles, where four fans and their plus fans will enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime soccer experience.
The ultimate quarterfinal vacation includes a three-night stay in a city center Airbnb with private chef service and the chance to meet Rio in a live recording of the podcast ‘Rio Ferdinand Presents’.
Guests will go behind the scenes with Manchester United legend and co-hosts Joel Beja and Ste Howson, as well as special guests on the podcast. They are also scheduled to take part in the FIFA World Cup quarter-final matches to be held in the city.
Rio said, “Soccer is my life, and there is no bigger stage than the FIFA World Cup.
This summer is going to be a big one for Airbnb. We’re committed to bringing our fans closer than ever, giving them the access they deserve and delivering great moments straight from the USA.
And for me, it’s something new – I’ll be experiencing the World Cup as a fan for the first time in over 30 years. I can’t wait to get started. ”
As the final countdown begins, new data from Airbnb reveals England and Scotland fans lead the league in travel to the World Cup, with searches in the host city increasing by 301%.
It also shows how supporters are turning the tournament into a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity with road trips across North America planned before and after the games. They plan to stop at three destinations and stay an average of 15 nights.
Lisa Marse, general manager of UKI, Northern Europe and MEA at Airbnb, said: “As the 2026 FIFA World Cup approaches, fans in the UK are turning their travels into real adventures.
“Whether staying close to the stadium or exploring local cities through Airbnb Experiences, from street art strolls to food tours, we help fans get closer to the game, culture, and everything each host city has to offer.”
To attend Rio in Los Angeles, football fans can request to book their ‘Ultimate Quarter Final Getaway’ for free from 10am BST on May 12th.
http://airbnb.com/rioferdinand
There are four spots available for the three-night trip (July 8-11, 2026), each of which can be booked free of charge for one guest and one additional person. They will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.
