French police make 98 arrests after chaos erupts in Paris following World Cup semifinal loss: report

Following France's 2-0 loss to the Spain in the World Cup semifinal on Tuesday, chaos erupted in the streets of Paris. (This video contains AI-assisted content)

Chaos erupted in Paris following France’s loss in the World Cup semifinal to Spain on Tuesday.

French police made 98 arrests, and 21 minors, were taken into police custody, the Paris Public Prosecutor’s Office confirmed to The Athletic. The most significant offenses included people firing mortar fireworks at fire stations and police cars.

France’s World Cup loss also coincided with Bastille Day, which commemorates when the French stormed the Bastille in 1789, a pivotal moment in the French Revolution.

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French police officers drive a car after the World Cup semifinal football match between France and Spain at Place de la Bastille in Paris on July 14, 2026. (Martin LELIEVRE/AFP via Getty Images)

In addition to the mortar fireworks, 12 trash containers were set on fire on Raymond Queneau Street. The firefighters who responded to the fires were targeted with mortar rounds, the prosecutor’s office told The Athletic. Fireworks were also fired toward a supermarket, breaking a window, the prosecutor’s office said to The Athletic.

"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.

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French police officers operate at Place de la Bastille in Paris on July 14, 2026. (Martin LELIEVRE/AFP via Getty