Every global event creates two stories.
One plays out in the stadiums, watched by millions. The other unfolds quietly in the background, across airports, consulates, serviced apartments and shipping terminals. For those who work in global mobility, it is the second story that matters most.
What Paris taught us
The 2024 Olympics turned Paris into a live experiment in logistical adaptation. From early spring, visa and permit processing began to slow. Temporary accommodation availability dropped sharply as landlords pivoted to short-term rentals. Road access changed, airport security increased and storage facilities operated at full capacity.
For mobility teams, this created weeks of uncertainty around the simplest of tasks. The experience revealed how external events can magnify every friction point in the relocation process.
It also reminded organisations that mobility planning cannot exist in isolation from broader global patterns.
Looking ahead to 2026
The FIFA World Cup will stretch across three countries and more than a dozen cities. Each one will carry its own operational pressures, from housing demand to infrastructure strain.
In the United States, domestic relocations alone are expected to feel the effect, as corporate housing providers and hotels adjust pricing and availability to accommodate visitor volume.
Even for companies without direct ties to the tournament, there will be indirect consequences. Increased visitor traffic can affect consular processing times, shipping routes and the availability of service providers in host markets.
A broader reflection
Events of this scale remind us that global mobility sits at the intersection of business continuity and human experience. When demand surges or access tightens, it is the relocation function that ensures business can continue to move.
The challenge is to think not only about what happens during an event, but about the lead-in and the recovery. How early do the first constraints begin to appear? How long does it take for markets, suppliers and timelines to return to normal? The answers differ by city and by programme, but awareness of the pattern is what builds resilience.
Looking forward
K2 continues to monitor the data emerging from Paris and the early signals from the 2026 host cities. These insights are shaping how we advise clients on timing, budgeting and supplier readiness for the months ahead. Global mobility has always been about adapting to change. When the world arrives, the organisations that stay calm, informed and flexible will be the ones that move with confidence.
Download our guide, “When the World Arrives: Planning Relocation Around Global Events”, to explore key considerations for your programme.
Connect with our experts through the contact form to discuss how these insights apply to your organisation.
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