Police arrest 98 people as violence breaks out in Paris after France’s World Cup exit

By Amaechi Agbo

Police made 98 arrests following disorder in Paris after France’s World Cup semi-final defeat by Spain on Tuesday.
The Paris Public Prosecutor’s Office confirmed 98 people, including 21 minors, had been taken into police custody, with the most significant offences including the firing of mortar fireworks at emergency services, such as fire stations and police cars.
Among the other offences, 12 trash containers were set alight on Raymond Queneau street on the outskirts of the city centre, and firefighters were targeted with mortar rounds when arriving on the scene, but were not hit, the prosecutor’s office added.
The office also said a Hypercacher supermarket was targeted, resulting in a broken window.
“During the night of July 14–15, 2026, the Paris Public Prosecutor’s Office was notified of 98 individuals taken into police custody, including 67 adults and 21 minors, at least eight of whom fall under the jurisdiction of the Paris Public Prosecutor’s Office,” a statement sent to The Athletic read.
“Most of these minors were arrested for aggravated theft and possession of incendiary materials. These figures are subject to change as new information is brought to the attention of the prosecutor’s office or as details are clarified.”
The Athletic has contacted the Prefecture of Police for comment.
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Tuesday’s World Cup semifinal, which saw France beaten 2-0 by Spain, coincided with Bastille Day, a national French holiday to commemorate the anniversary of the Storming of the Bastille on July 14, 1789, which marked a significant turning point in the French Revolution.
Some celebrations took place on Monday, and the Paris Public Prosecutor’s Office said 35 adults were taken into police custody that night.
Paris police said that due to the two events clashing on Tuesday, 5,000 of its staff would be supported by an additional 2,000 police officers and gendarmerie (a branch of the armed forces), while 2,000 firefighters would also be deployed in the city. There were also limitations applied on drinking alcohol in the streets, and the transportation of fireworks.
France’s hopes of reaching a third consecutive World Cup final were ended by European champions Spain in Dallas, with Mikel Oyarzabal scoring a first-half penalty before Pedro Porro doubled the lead of Luis de la Fuente’s side in the second half. Spain will face either England or Argentina in Sunday’s final at Metlife Stadium in New York.
In May, 780 arrests took place in France after Paris Saint-Germain beat Arsenal to win the Champions League for a second successive year.