French police make 98 arrests after chaos erupts in Paris following World Cup semifinal loss: report

Chaos broke out in Paris on Tuesday after France lost to Spain in the World Cup semi-finals.

The Paris Public Prosecutor’s Office confirmed that French police arrested 98 people and 21 children were detained. Athletic. The most notable crimes included people firing mortars at fire stations and police cars.

France’s defeat in the World Cup also coincided with Bastille Day, which commemorates the French storming of the Bastille in 1789, a key moment in the French Revolution.

CLICK HERE TO GET MORE SPORTS NEWS ON FOXNEWS.COM

In addition to the mortar fireworks, 12 garbage containers were also set on fire on Raymond Queneau Street. The prosecutor’s office told The Athletic that firefighters responding to the fires were targeted with mortar rounds. In a statement to The Athletic, the prosecutor’s office said that fireworks were fired towards a supermarket, breaking its window.

“On the night of 14-15 July 2026, the Paris Public Prosecutor’s Office was informed that 98 people were detained by the police, including 67 adults and 21 children, at least eight of whom fell under the jurisdiction of the Paris Prosecutor’s Office,” read a statement sent to The Athletic.

HOW TO WATCH ENGLAND VS ARGENTINA MATCH: LIVE BROADCAST THE 2026 FIFA WORLD CUP SEMI-FINALS

French police officers operate at the Place de la Bastille in Paris on July 14, 2026. (Martin LELIEVRE/AFP via Getty Images)

“Many of these juveniles were arrested for aggravated burglary and possession of incendiary substances. These figures may change as new information is brought to the attention of the prosecutor’s office or details become clearer.”

With Tuesday’s victory, France would have reached the World Cup final for the third consecutive tournament. Instead, they were kept off the scoresheet as Spain’s defense stifled their explosive attacks.

CLICK TO DOWNLOAD FOX NEWS APPLICATION

France’s Kylian Mbappe looks upset after the match after France was eliminated from the World Cup in Arlington, Texas. (Jerome Miron/Imagn Images)

SIGN UP TO GET THE LATEST SPORTS NEWS

Spain took the lead 1-0 in the first half with the goal scored by Mikel Oyarzabal in the penalty kick. Pedro Porro put Spain ahead 2-0 with the goal he scored in the second half.

Spain will find out its opponent in the final when England play Argentina on Wednesday afternoon at 15.00 CET on FOX.

Follow Fox News Digital Sports streaming on Xand subscribe Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.