France Struggles to Recover After World Cup Loss to Spain on Bastille Day

On the evening of July 14, a rare sight unfolded in Paris as the Champs-Élysées and Place de la République were unusually empty, reflecting the somber mood of French football fans after their national team’s unexpected defeat to Spain in the World Cup semifinals. The French team, confident of securing a spot in the final in New Jersey, now faces a trip to Miami for the third-place match. Fans expressed deep disappointment, with many leaving cafes early and some children in tears. Commentator Ryan Cherki summarized the mood, stating, "We didn’t play the football we love. Spain played as they wanted, and we didn’t."

The day began with France’s largest Bastille Day parade in years and a memorial ceremony marking ten years since the Nice terror attack, but the mood darkened with reports of large wildfires near Paris, some suspected to be arson. Cafes screening the match were packed, while others without large screens closed early. Fans wore patriotic costumes, including blue afro wigs and rooster hats, and expressed optimism before the game, with some predicting a 3-0 French victory. However, social media quickly filled with videos of disappointed supporters and memes mocking the French team’s performance.

The loss sparked frustration and conspiracy theories, with some blaming Salvadoran referee Ivan Barton for controversial decisions. Coach Didier Deschamps hinted at doubts about the referee’s suitability for such a high-level match. Captain Kylian Mbappé, whose partner is a Spanish player and model, took responsibility, admitting the team did not perform at semifinal level. Fans criticized the team’s lackluster first half and inability to score against Spain’s defense.

Post-match, a few fireworks and smoke bombs were set off by frustrated fans, and a fire station in Lyon was attacked, prompting condemnation from firefighter spokesman Eric Brocardi. Authorities arrested around 20 people in Lyon and 141 in Paris, but no serious injuries or major property damage were reported. Despite the setback, many fans pledged support for the team in the upcoming third-place match on Saturday, expressing hope in the younger players who will compete in the 2030 World Cup.

Mbappé reflected philosophically on the defeat, emphasizing the need to move forward: "When you win, you reap glory; when you don’t, it’s part of the game. I take full responsibility. Like any top athlete, I must lift my head, take a break, and start anew. Football waits for no one." The team’s next challenge remains the third-place playoff, but the mood in Paris remains subdued as fans process the unexpected loss on their national holiday.