2026 World Cup, France vs. Morocco: Tension Is Already Running High in Paris; Special Security Plan in Place

The build-up to the France–Morocco match in the quarterfinals of the 2026 World Cup is keeping the French capital, Paris, on edge, where there are fears of unrest regardless of the outcome of the game. In this regard, French authorities have put together a special security plan that, in itself, speaks to the heightened emotional tension of these hours.

The most significant measure concerns the Place de l’Étoile, the nerve center of the French capital and a traditional gathering spot for celebrations and spontaneous rallies. The Prefecture has decided to close it completely to traffic from 10 p.m. on Thursday—the time of kickoff—until 5 a.m. the following morning. The rest of the Champs-Élysées will remain open, but with a reinforced security presence and thousands of officers on duty.

Law enforcement will also be present at major gathering spots, and the entire public transportation system will be closely monitored, with police ready to enforce a series of specific rules against criminal acts. The Paris city government has, however, decided to allow bars, cafés, and restaurants to stay open until 2 a.m., in the hope that the ability for patrons to remain seated, spaced out, and monitored will reduce the risk of chaotic crowds.

The context, on the other hand, does not help. The refereeing controversies of recent days—from the Balogun case to the protests following the Argentina–Egypt match, right up to the controversial appointment of Argentine referee Tello for the France–Morocco match—have contributed to an atmosphere already fraught with controversy and animosity. The match, for both sporting and social reasons, is considered to have high emotional stakes: the Parisian authorities hope that a festive atmosphere will prevail regardless of the winner.