World Cup 2026: French authorities warn of potential nationwide disturbances

French authorities are bracing for potential public order issues across the country during the 2026 World Cup, which kicks off this week. A national security directorate has alerted local officials to the possibility of disturbances extending beyond matches involving the French national team.

The Directorate for National Public Security (DNSP) noted in a letter that the tournament's popularity in France, with both local fans and diaspora communities, could lead to public order problems. "Certain matches could generate public order disturbances, beyond just the games played by the French team," the letter stated. The DNSP specifically highlighted matches involving Tunisia, Morocco, Algeria, Senegal, Portugal, Turkey, and Iran as requiring "a certain vigilance."

Potential issues cited include loud and festive processions, illegal motorcycle stunts, spontaneous gatherings, and fireworks, which could disrupt traffic and lead to confrontations with law enforcement. The security directorate also pointed out that matches involving Iran could spark spontaneous political demonstrations due to the sensitive geopolitical context in the Middle East. France's opening match against Senegal on June 16 has been flagged for particular attention.

Authorities are advised to focus on "probable manifestations of joy, which are vectors of disorder," especially in areas with large communities from participating nations. Furthermore, public screenings in venues like bars and fan zones, which could attract thousands, are seen as additional risk factors for public order disturbances. In Clermont-Ferrand, a curfew will be imposed on unaccompanied minors under 16 during the competition.