As the FIFA World Cup kicks off, several French municipalities are taking unprecedented steps to curb anticipated unrest among teenagers. Following disturbances after Paris Saint-Germain's Champions League triumph in late May, cities such as Toulouse and Clermont-Ferrand have imposed night-time curfews for unaccompanied minors under 16. The town of Moulins (population 19,000) followed suit on Friday, enacting a curfew for the tournament's duration.
Toulouse's centre-right mayor, Jean-Luc Moudenc, announced that from Saturday evening—coinciding with the high-profile Brazil versus Morocco match—minors will be prohibited from being in an extended area of the city centre between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m. unless accompanied by a parent or legal guardian, or in a medical emergency. The decree, Moudenc explained, was adopted "in consultation with the prefecture and the national police" to "guarantee the safety of Toulouse residents and minors."
The move has drawn sharp criticism from left-wing opposition figures. François Piquemal, a deputy for La France Insoumise (LFI) and a former electoral rival of Moudenc, described the measure as "madness" and argued that "young people will be particularly penalised" throughout the tournament. In a bid to balance security with public enthusiasm, the municipality also promised a fan zone on the Île du Ramier capable of hosting up to 18,000 supporters—a demand pushed by the left-wing opposition—but only for France's matches if they reach the quarter-finals or beyond.
Clermont-Ferrand Takes the Hardest Line
In Clermont-Ferrand, the historic capital of Auvergne, the approach is even more stringent. Republican (LR) mayor Julien Bony has imposed a curfew from 11 p.m. to 7 a.m., punishable by a €150 fine. Notably, the city will not host any fan zone, "even if France reach the final." Bony has also ordered bars showing matches to turn their screens inward to prevent crowds gathering in the streets. The authorities cite incidents after the Champions League final on 30 May and again on 5 June, "following calls for riots circulated on social networks."
Other major cities are taking a more cautious line. Marseille, run by the Socialists, has no plans for a fan zone, according to local press. Paris has yet to finalise arrangements, though Socialist first deputy mayor Lamia El Aaraje has expressed a desire to create one. In Lyon, the Green-led city hall told Euronews that a fan zone is a "possibility" depending on how far Les Bleus progress; for now, it encourages residents to watch matches in bars and restaurants.
Some municipalities are embracing the tournament. Strasbourg will show France's matches on a giant screen and on bar terraces. In Vénissieux, in the Rhône department, LFI mayor Idir Boumertit is promising "a great popular summer" with match screenings at various locations, complete with refreshments and barbecues. Boumertit noted that the municipality wanted to show "matches involving teams from every continent and every region of the world," while regretting that many fixtures are scheduled in the middle of the night due to the time difference.
The 2026 World Cup will be held in the United States, Canada, and Mexico from 11 June to 19 July. For now, French cities are navigating a delicate balance between public order and the festive spirit of football, with curfews and fan zones reflecting the tensions of a post-pandemic summer.
