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 Images)
“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.”
With a win on Tuesday, France would have reached the World Cup final for the third straight tournament. Instead, they were held off the scoresheet as Spain’s defense stifled their explosive attack.
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France’s Kylian Mbappe looks dejected after the match as France are eliminated from the World Cup in Arlington, Texas. (Jerome Miron/Imagn Images)
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Spain took a 1-0 first-half lead after Mikel Oyarzabal scored on a penalty kick. Pedro Porro put Spain up 2-0 with a goal in the second half.
Spain will find out its finals opponent on Wednesday afternoon when England takes on Argentina at 3 p.m. ET on FOX.
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