Will Antoine Griezmann make it to the 2026 World Cup with France? We analyze statistics, current events, and his role with Les Bleus on their way to the most important tournament on the planet.
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WHAT TRANSPORT PROJECTS ARE BORN WITH THE 2026 WORLD CUP?
The 2026 World Cup won't just be about moving balls… it will be about moving millions of people. With three host countries—the United States, Mexico, and Canada—transportation infrastructure will be put to the test, and many projects will be launched or accelerated thanks to football's biggest event. From high-speed trains, airport expansions, and subway networks to improvements in urban mobility, we'll tell you what projects are on the way, in which cities, and how the World Cup serves as the perfect excuse to modernize fan transportation. Join us on this journey filled with interesting facts, impressive figures, and pure passion for the beautiful game.
How the World Cup Accelerates Urban Mobility
When a country hosts a World Cup, the ball starts rolling long before the first match. One of the sectors that sees the most activity is transportation. Roads, airports, trains, subways, and even bike paths receive multimillion-dollar investments to ensure that fans and teams can move around without problems.
A World Cup on Wheels
In 2026, more than 5 million people are expected to travel between the 16 host cities. And that means pressure on the mobility infrastructure. According to data from FIFA and local governments, more than 45 transportation projects are underway thanks to the World Cup, including subway line expansions, new intercity trains, and airport terminal improvements. Unlike stadiums, which are sometimes underutilized, transportation projects have a lasting impact. Host cities are looking to leverage the World Cup as an opportunity to modernize their urban systems. For example, Dallas and Atlanta will use the event as a catalyst to electrify their bus fleets. More than $20 billion will be invested in road and transportation improvements in the U.S. It leads with 70% of the planned projects. Most of the works will be ready in 2025, a year before the tournament. There's no match without fans, and no fans without transportation. The 2026 World Cup will be a giant choreography… on wheels.
Cities and Featured Projects in the U.S., Mexico, and Canada
The 16 host cities are investing heavily to welcome the world. Each has unique projects, but they all share a common goal: to make getting to the stadium part of the World Cup experience. Here we tell you about the most important projects in each country.
United States: Trains and Airports in the Race
The Americans are going all out. The flagship project is Brightline, a high-speed train that will connect Miami with Orlando and possibly Tampa. In Los Angeles, the LAX People Mover automated train is under construction, which will connect the airport to the subway network. New York will expand access to MetLife Stadium and improve NJ Transit rail connectivity. Mexico: Subways, Airports, and Tourist Trains. Mexico City will expand Metro lines and remodel key stations near Azteca Stadium. In Guadalajara, BRT will be integrated with new express routes to Akron Stadium. Monterrey will invest in expanding Metro Line 3 and connections from the airport. Additionally, the Maya Train is planned to connect nearby tourist regions for fans traveling throughout the country. Canada: Green and Efficient Mobility. Toronto is moving forward with the Ontario Line, a new subway line that will alleviate pressure on the existing system. Vancouver will renew its electric bus network and invest in temporary bike lanes for fans who want to travel in an "eco" style. Both cities will work with artificial intelligence to optimize traffic flow on match days.
Brightline: More than 273 km of high-speed rail in Florida
Metro CDMX: New units and smart signage
Toronto: More than CAD 15 billion in infrastructure
Each country contributes its own unique elements: technology, tradition, or sustainability. But all are aiming for flawless World Cup mobility.
The Post-World Cup Legacy for Host Cities
When the football party is over, more than just memories will remain. Host cities are hoping that the 2026 World Cup will leave a real mark on the quality of life of their residents, especially on how they get around on a daily basis. That's the key to what's called the "infrastructure legacy."
From Fans to Citizens
Improvements made with fans in mind later benefit residents: new stations, faster routes, more comfortable buses. A Columbia University study revealed that after the 1994 World Cup, US host cities saw a 17% increase in the use of urban public transportation. Sustainability and the Future: One of the key themes of the 2026 World Cup is sustainability. Therefore, many projects prioritize clean energy and efficiency. Dallas and Seattle are incorporating fleets of electric buses. Vancouver will use sensors to manage transportation demand in real time. And Mexico City is modernizing its traffic control center with AI.
Post-World Cup 2026: A 22% increase in daily passengers is projected in host cities
Expected reduction of 280,000 tons of CO₂ per year thanks to green projects
More than 12 million people will live near routes optimized for the tournament
Football will be the reason, but the benefit will last for decades. A World Cup that is also played in the streets, and that improves everyone's lives, even when the ball is no longer in play.
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