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This content was machine-translated from the French version.
The 2026 World Cup, the first ever to feature 48 teams, will mark a genuine logistical revolution for the organisers. Across the three continents hosting the tournament – the United States, Canada and Mexico – the accommodation for the national teams will be distributed according to a complex plan, ensuring that each team is based in a host city close to its stadium. Weather conditions, the distance between venues and the players’ specific needs will guide the choice of hotels, requiring seamless coordination between local committees and the women’s football authorities.
The accommodation selection process is based on strict criteria: immediate proximity to the stands, the capacity to accommodate dozens of people (players, staff, translators), and enhanced hygiene standards. Private establishments and dedicated complexes, particularly in Texan cities, the Quebec hubs or Mexican regions, will have to meet a uniform standard. The teams, for their part, will benefit from single rooms, recovery rooms and meals tailored to their dietary requirements, whilst being located within 30 minutes of their matches.
Private establishments and dedicated complexes, particularly in Texan cities, the Quebec hubs or Mexican regions, will have to meet a uniform standard.
The economic impact of this accommodation is set to be significant. Hotels, which have long stood empty outside the tourist seasons, will see an increase in occupancy thanks to the national teams and the media. The teams’ stays, often extended to allow for training sessions and meetings, will boost local businesses and neighbourhood services. Furthermore, the logistics of travelling between cities, particularly for knockout-stage matches, will require secure shuttle services and optimised routes.
The challenges remain immense, especially given the diversity of the participating nations. Teams from Africa, Asia and South America will have to adapt to hotel systems that may be unfamiliar to them, whilst managing any language barriers. The authorities will also need to ensure equal treatment, avoiding disparities in service standards between luxury hotels and smaller establishments.
Finally, the success of these accommodation arrangements will depend on the ability to reconcile tradition and modernity. Historic establishments in major cities such as Paris or Madrid, for example, will be replaced by innovative projects in the United States, reflecting the ambition of a 2026 World Cup rooted in the future. As for the teams, they are counting on these facilities to allow them to focus solely on their sporting performance, free from distractions.
