Over 160 arrested in France after incidents following World Cup semifinal defeat to Spain

More than 160 people were arrested across France following violent clashes and disturbances that erupted after the national football team’s 2-0 defeat to Spain in the FIFA World Cup semifinal, broadcaster BFMTV reported on Wednesday.

The unrest broke out late on Tuesday evening, coinciding with Bastille Day national holiday celebrations. Despite the deployment of 70,000 police and gendarmes nationwide, disturbances could not be entirely prevented. French authorities, led by Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez, had previously warned that no unruly behaviour would be tolerated.

In the Paris region, the Paris Police Prefecture confirmed that 141 people were detained. The majority of these arrests were linked to the launch of firework mortars and other pyrotechnics targeted at police officers, emergency services, and even a local fire station in the 19th arrondissement. Despite the chaos, authorities confirmed that no serious injuries or major property damage occurred in the capital.

In Lyon, several hundred supporters had gathered at Place Bellecour to watch the high-stakes match. Following Spain’s dominant victory, hostile groups of young people, mostly born between 2002 and 2011, began throwing projectiles and fireworks at law enforcement officers. Riot police intervened quickly, resulting in approximately 20 arrests. In a separate incident in the city’s Guillotière district, a man was shot and wounded around the time the match concluded. One suspect has been taken into custody as investigations continue, though local officials noted the motive behind the shooting remains unclear.

On the pitch, Spain delivered a masterful defensive performance at the AT&T Stadium in Dallas, Texas, stifling France’s highly feared attacking force. The 2-0 victory ended the French team’s six-match winning streak and secured Spain’s first World Cup final appearance since they won the tournament in 2010. Spain now stands one victory away from completing a rare World Cup-European Championship double, with their final opponent to be decided following the second semifinal between England and Argentina in Atlanta.