Boston, MA – The French national football team arrived in Boston on Tuesday, beginning their preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a surprisingly personal touch. Rather than retreating immediately to their base at the Four Seasons Hotel, Les Bleus took time to acknowledge the enthusiastic supporters who gathered to greet them, offering autographs and smiles despite a lengthy transatlantic journey.
The team’s choice of Boston as their home base for the tournament, which runs from June 11th to July 19th across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, was confirmed earlier this year. According to reports from Yahoo Sports and Get French Football News, head coach Didier Deschamps and his staff visited the Four Seasons and the nearby Babson College training facilities in early December, shortly after the World Cup draw.
The arrival at the Four Seasons wasn’t a formal affair. As one driver remarked to onlookers, questioning the gathering crowd, the scene was more spontaneous and welcoming. The team, fresh off a seven-hour flight, was met by approximately thirty fans, a number that included both French expatriates and local supporters. Kylian Mbappé, the team captain, led the way in acknowledging the crowd, taking time for photos and brief interactions.
“It’s always a pleasure to come to the United States,” said Eduardo Camavinga, pausing to sign autographs. Hugo Ekitike echoed the sentiment, adding, “It’s nice to notice the fans.” The enthusiasm wasn’t limited to the players. Benjamin, a French national living in the Boston area, explained he’d tracked the team’s flight and made sure not to miss the arrival. “I’ve been following their flight and saw they took off this morning, I didn’t want to miss this,” he said, proudly displaying his Mbappé jersey.
The support extended beyond the French community. Runlong, a supporter who had recently purchased a new France jersey, expressed his confidence in the team’s chances. “I saw on the internet that France was here, I didn’t want to miss Mbappé and Dembélé,” he said. “France is going to win the World Cup, you have the best team!” The air was filled with chants for Mbappé, Ousmane Dembélé, and Michael Olise.
The Four Seasons Hotel Boston was selected not only for its luxury accommodations but likewise for its proximity to key locations. It’s a mere fifteen minutes from Logan International Airport and thirty minutes from Babson College, where the team will conduct their training sessions. This strategic location, combined with favorable climate conditions and a manageable time difference, made Boston an ideal choice for the French squad. Notably, the hotel wasn’t initially part of FIFA’s recommended accommodations, requiring the team to request interior modifications to meet their specific needs, including expanded common areas.
The hotel itself offers a range of amenities designed to support the team’s recovery and preparation, including an indoor pool, a fitness center, and a spa. Guest rooms are equipped with flat-screen cable televisions, and private bathrooms feature toiletries, slippers, and bathrobes. The Bistro Lounge provides three meals daily, and the hotel also offers private parking, complimentary Wi-Fi, airport shuttle service, and accessibility features.
This arrival marks the beginning of a crucial period for Les Bleus. They’ll be looking to build momentum ahead of their opening World Cup match against Senegal at Boston’s Gillette Stadium on June 16th. Before that, they’ll face Brazil in a high-profile friendly at the same venue on March 26th, providing an early opportunity to test their form on American soil. This match will allow Deschamps to assess his squad and fine-tune tactics ahead of the tournament.
The decision to base themselves in Boston reflects a broader strategy of acclimating to the Eastern Seaboard environment, where they will play their group stage matches. The team’s staff clearly prioritized minimizing travel disruption and maximizing training efficiency when making their selection. The relatively limited time difference will also be a benefit, helping players maintain their natural rhythms and avoid fatigue.
For fans eager to follow the team’s progress, the coming weeks will be filled with opportunities to witness Les Bleus prepare for the World Cup. The friendly against Brazil is already generating significant interest, and the team’s presence in Boston is sure to create a buzz throughout the city. The French squad’s commitment to engaging with supporters, as demonstrated by their warm welcome on Tuesday, suggests a positive and collaborative atmosphere as they embark on their World Cup journey.
What’s Next: The French national team will continue training in Boston, culminating in their friendly match against Brazil on March 26th at Gillette Stadium. Tickets for the match are still available through the official FIFA website and Ticketmaster.
What are your thoughts on France’s choice of Boston as their World Cup base? Share your predictions for their tournament performance in the comments below!
