The French national team is set to experience a significant upgrade in travel accommodations as they prepare for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. On Tuesday, March 24, 2026, the team departs for a series of friendly matches against Brazil and Colombia in the United States, and will be traveling in style thanks to a new partnership with French airline, La Compagnie.
This trip marks the debut of La Compagnie as the official airline of the Équipe de France, a collaboration announced in February. The airline will handle all transatlantic flights and travel logistics for the national team throughout the 2026 World Cup, hosted jointly by the United States, Mexico, and Canada from June 11 to July 19.
La Compagnie, established for twelve years, has already transported over 600,000 passengers on more than 11,000 transatlantic flights between Paris and New York. The airline has built a reputation for providing a premium travel experience, recognized for its exceptional service and high standards of comfort. It’s a level of service that has attracted high-profile individuals from the worlds of sport, politics, and culture – including, reportedly, Victor Wembanyama before his entry into the NBA in 2023.
For the French national team, including players like Kylian Mbappé, this translates to a significantly enhanced travel experience. The team will be traveling on a reconfigured Airbus A321neo, boasting a business-class layout with only 76 seats – a substantial reduction from the aircraft’s standard capacity of 244 passengers. This spacious configuration allows for a 2-2 seating arrangement, providing ample personal space for the players.
Each seat is designed for ultimate comfort, featuring a width of 50 centimeters and the ability to fully recline into a 192-centimeter-long bed with a plush mattress. Passengers will also have access to individual entertainment screens measuring nearly 40 centimeters, offering a wide selection of films and music. High-speed Wi-Fi will be available throughout the flight, allowing players to stay connected.
Beyond comfort, La Compagnie is also prioritizing a refined culinary experience. Meals will be prepared by a selection of Michelin-starred chefs, offering a gourmet dining experience at 30,000 feet. The airline also offers a unique wellness component, providing access to a meditation program developed by Petit Bambou, designed to promote relaxation and mindfulness during travel.
The partnership reflects a shared commitment to excellence, according to FFF President Philippe Diallo. “This partnership with a French airline, recognized for its excellence, the quality of its service and its ability to innovate, will allow our French Team to travel in the best conditions and thus approach the major deadlines that await it in the best way,” Diallo said in a statement. “La Compagnie and the FFF share strong values, such as performance, demand and team spirit which will allow us, collectively, we all hope, to go far and high in the competition.”
This initial journey to the United States, featuring matches against Brazil in Boston on March 26 and Colombia in Washington D.C. On March 29, serves as a crucial preparation phase for the 2026 World Cup. These friendly matches provide a valuable opportunity for Didier Deschamps to assess his squad and fine-tune tactics ahead of the tournament. The team is using these games as a “dress rehearsal” for the challenges that lie ahead.
The upgrade in travel arrangements underscores the French Football Federation’s commitment to providing the best possible environment for its players, recognizing that rest and recovery are paramount, especially during a demanding international schedule. The reduced capacity and enhanced comfort of the La Compagnie aircraft are designed to minimize fatigue and maximize performance.
La Compagnie’s commitment to sustainability is also noteworthy. The Airbus A321neo is designed to be more fuel-efficient, reducing CO₂ emissions by 30% compared to previous generation aircraft. This aligns with growing concerns about the environmental impact of air travel and demonstrates a commitment to responsible practices.
The French national team’s upcoming matches against Brazil and Colombia will be closely watched by fans around the world, not only as a preview of the 2026 World Cup but also as a demonstration of the team’s commitment to excellence in all aspects of their preparation – from on-field tactics to off-field comfort and sustainability.
Following these friendly matches, La Compagnie will continue to provide transportation for the Équipe de France throughout the 2026 World Cup, ensuring that the team travels in style and comfort as they pursue their ambitions on the global stage.
Next Up: The Équipe de France will face Brazil in Boston on March 26, followed by a match against Colombia in Washington D.C. On March 29. These matches kick off at 8:00 PM EST (00:00 UTC March 27 and 00:00 UTC March 30 respectively) and will provide valuable insights into the team’s form and preparations for the 2026 World Cup.
What are your thoughts on the new partnership? Share your predictions for the matches against Brazil and Colombia in the comments below!
