France erupts in riots after World Cup semifinal defeat

France was eliminated from the 2026 FIFA World Cup after a 0‑2 loss to Spain in the semifinal played on the national holiday of July 14. The defeat sparked widespread unrest across the country. Police reported disturbances in 183 cities, including major clashes in Paris and Lyon. A total of 342 people were arrested, of whom 250 were placed in police custody. Emergency services were targeted with fireworks in 688 incidents, and authorities seized 1,128 illegal firecrackers. The unrest also led to extensive property damage, with 701 vehicles set alight nationwide. In Grenoble, a 49‑year‑old man watching the match from a bar terrace was pursued and shot dead, a killing linked to a suspected gang dispute. The interior ministry said the situation remained largely under control despite the scale of the disturbances.