7 days ago
World Cup cities: Prioritize accessibility
Lynn Osmond is a strategic partner with Wheel the World and TravelAbility.
As the 2026 FIFA World Cup approaches, excitement is building. For the first time, the soccer tournament will be jointly hosted across the U.S., Canada and Mexico, drawing millions of fans from around the globe.
Beyond the goals scored on the pitch and the roar of the crowds, this monumental event presents a unique and often overlooked opportunity: making the World Cup accessible to all.
Accessibility in travel has long been treated as an afterthought. However, with over 1.1 million anticipated visitors requiring accessible accommodations, transportation and services during the tournament, it is a necessity.
The numbers are significant: 550,000 fans with disabilities, 275,000 individuals with mobility impairments and hundreds of thousands more requiring sensory and cognitive accommodations. The World Cup is more than just a sporting event; it's a global gathering that should reflect the inclusivity we aspire to in our societies.
This issue is deeply personal for me. I have spent my career championing tourism and cultural engagement, most recently as president and CEO of Choose Chicago and before that as the head of the Chicago Architecture Center for 25 years.
My understanding of accessibility deepened profoundly when my husband, Chris, was diagnosed with progressive supranuclear palsy, an aggressive form of Parkinson's disease. I made the difficult decision to step down from my position to embark on bucket-list travels with him while we still could. We journeyed across the U.S. and Canada by road, sailed through the Panama Canal and explored Europe. These experiences have been priceless, yet they have also opened my eyes to the obstacles faced by travelers with disabilities and their companions.
Through our travels, I have come to realize that travel is not just a leisure activity; it's a fundamental part of how we connect with the world and each other. However, when navigating airport terminals becomes a marathon of inaccessible gates, when hotel "accessible rooms" fall short of basic needs or when transportation systems overlook those with mobility challenges, it sends a disheartening message: "This place isn't for you." This needs to change, because no host city wants to embarrass itself on the global stage.
What needs to be done
Recognizing this, organizations such as TravelAbility and Wheel the World are developing comprehensive, end-to-end solutions to ensure that the visitor experience is seamless for everyone attending the 2026 World Cup. These initiatives include verified accessibility assessments, staff training programs, accessible visitor guides and inclusive marketing strategies. The goal is to ensure that fans with disabilities don't have to ask, "Can I go?" but instead can confidently say, "I can go!"
For example, besides mapping hotels, Wheel the World can also map restaurants surrounding the stadiums. This is a quick but welcoming step that makes a significant difference. Visitors need to know not only if the entrance is accessible but also if the washrooms meet their needs. Chris and I just got back from a Wheel the World trip in Athens, and we were reminded how critical accessible washrooms are.
There's also an opportunity to map restaurant cuisines that match the teams playing -- imagine enjoying authentic Brazilian feijoada before a Brazil match or savoring Mexican tacos ahead of an El Tri game. Small details like these make the experience richer and more inclusive.
Beyond restaurants, accessibility must extend to transportation. Mapping an end-to-end journey -- from the plane to the hotel, to the stadium and all the way to a fan's seat -- is essential. What are the various transit options? Are there enough accessible shuttles and ride-sharing services? Are metro stations equipped with elevators that actually work? These logistics can determine whether a fan gets to enjoy the game stress-free or faces a frustrating, exhausting experience.
The U.S. has an advantage: The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) has been in place for 35 years, making it one of the most comprehensive accessibility laws in the world. Because of this, many disabled fans worldwide may experience the games for the first time in a country where accessibility is already prioritized.
However, while the ADA ensures legal protections, it does not provide a comprehensive communications strategy or a centralized hub for accessible travel information. This is where Wheel the World can step in, creating a one-stop website with marketing materials and practical guidance for all World Cup visitors.
The most important thing for travelers with disabilities is to "know before you go." With the right information available in advance, fans can make informed decisions and feel confident about their travel plans.
A lasting impact
The scale of this endeavor is vast but achievable. Host cities are faced with a nearly $1.4 billion economic opportunity by embracing accessible tourism, and the investments made for the World Cup can leave a legacy for future visitors and residents alike. Imagine a transportation system that works for a wheelchair user; it is also more convenient for parents with strollers, aging travelers and anyone carrying luggage. Inclusive design benefits everyone.
Cities like Miami and Seattle are already acting, demonstrating that with the right planning and commitment, accessibility can be integrated without sacrificing efficiency or excitement.
The journey to an accessible World Cup is not just a logistical undertaking; it's a moral and economic imperative. As someone who has lived both the professional challenges of building tourism infrastructure and the personal realities of traveling with a partner with disabilities, I am driven by the belief that accessibility should be the standard, not the exception. We all deserve the chance to be part of the world's biggest stage, to sing our team's anthem, to feel the electric atmosphere in the stadium and to explore the host cities fully.
In 2026, let's not just host the world. Let's welcome everyone.
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