Bologna approves large screens for Morocco-France World Cup quarter‑final, sparking public‑order concerns

The Bologna municipal administration authorized the installation of large public screens in Piazza Lucio Dalla and other locations to broadcast the Morocco‑France quarter‑final of the 2026 World Cup. The decision was made by a city official rather than the municipality itself and has raised alarms about potential public‑order risks, given the high emotions surrounding the match.

The move follows a previous refusal to allow similar screens for local fans during last year’s Coppa Italia final. Local politicians have voiced criticism, with members of the Lega and Fratelli d’Italia highlighting the disparity and warning of possible clashes. The city maintains that it did not directly organize the projections, but the arrangement has become a focal point of debate ahead of the game.