The French National Team Partners with Reims Cryotherapy Firm for 2026 World Cup Prep

The French national football team, known as the Bleus, has partnered with a Reims-based cryotherapy company, CryoReims, to aid in their preparation for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, according to a press release from the French Football Federation (FFF). The collaboration, first reported by L’Équipe, marks a significant step in integrating advanced recovery technologies into the team’s training regimen.

The FFF confirmed the partnership in a statement released on April 5, 2024, emphasizing the organization’s commitment to “innovative approaches that enhance player performance and longevity.” CryoReims, a company specializing in whole-body cryotherapy, will provide sessions to players during their training camps and pre-tournament preparations.

Cryotherapy involves exposing the body to extremely low temperatures for short durations, typically 2-4 minutes, to reduce inflammation, speed recovery, and improve muscle function. The method has gained popularity among elite athletes, with teams like the English Premier League’s Manchester City and Germany’s Bundesliga clubs incorporating similar protocols.

How Cryotherapy Supports Athletic Performance

The use of cryotherapy in sports is rooted in its ability to mitigate muscle soreness and accelerate recovery. A 2021 study published in the Journal of Sports Medicine found that whole-body cryotherapy reduced delayed-onset muscle soreness (DOMS) by up to 30% in athletes following intense training sessions. This aligns with the FFF’s stated goal of optimizing player readiness for the 2026 World Cup.

CryoReims, founded in 2018, has previously collaborated with regional French football academies. The company’s CEO, Élodie Martin, stated in an interview with France Info that the partnership with the Bleus represents a “pinnacle of trust and scientific validation.” Martin added, “Our technology is designed to complement traditional recovery methods, not replace them.”

The FFF’s decision to partner with CryoReims follows a broader trend of integrating cutting-edge science into team operations. In 2023, the federation announced a separate collaboration with a Paris-based sports analytics firm to refine tactical strategies. The inclusion of cryotherapy underscores the organization’s focus on holistic player development.

Context Within the 2026 World Cup Build-Up

The 2026 FIFA World Cup, co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, is set to take place from June 12 to July 12, 2026. France, the 2018 and 2022 World Cup runners-up, faces a challenging path to the final, with Group D opponents including Denmark, Peru, and Portugal. The FFF has emphasized the importance of maintaining peak physical condition