Paris on high security alert ahead of France-Morocco World Cup match

Ibrahim bin Mohammed from Riyadh

Wednesday 8 July 2026 23:16 | 2 minutes read

Paris, France Thursday 19 January 2023 Paris metro station closed due to strike to protest pension reform

French authorities today declared a state of full security alert in the capital Paris and its suburbs, and imposed strict restrictions on the public transport network, in preparation for the quarter-final match of the 2026 World Cup, which brings together the French and Moroccan national teams tomorrow evening, Thursday, in the American city of Boston, according to the French newspaper Le Parisien.

Decisions to close a number of metro stations

The Paris Security Directorate, in cooperation with the Independent Transport Authority, issued decisions to close a number of major metro stations and completely isolate the famous Champs-Élysées district starting from 9:00 p.m. local time, with the aim of 'sanctifying' the area and protecting it from any potential disturbances.

The transport authority explained on its official website the details of the closure plan that will come into effect on Thursday evening, where it was decided to completely suspend train traffic on the section between the Charles de Gaulle – Étoile and Trocadéro stations on Line 6, while train traffic will continue but with a permanent stop removal at the Charles de Gaulle – Étoile station.

The authorities decided to close the stations (Argentine, George V, Tuileries) on Line 1, the station (Ternes) on Line 2, the station (Madeleine) which serves Lines 8, 12, and 14, in addition to the station (Miromesnil) on Lines 9 and 13, where trains will pass through these stations without stopping or allowing boarding, alighting, or line transfers.

Wed, 08 2026

Immediate ban on transporting fuel

The Paris security director issued two judicial decrees that included an immediate and temporary ban on transporting fuel and petroleum products in 'jerry cans' or portable containers on Thursday and Friday. The decisions also included a complete ban on carrying, trading, and using fireworks, firecrackers, and 'mortar shells' in Paris and its surrounding suburbs (Petite Couronne) during the period from 13 to 15 July this year, coinciding with the French National Day celebrations.

Tue, 07 2026

Converting neighborhoods into pedestrian zones

The municipality also announced the conversion of the Marais district in central Paris and the La Roquette district in the 11th arrondissement into pedestrian-only zones, where car traffic is prohibited from 8:00 p.m. until 2:00 a.m., due to the density of cafes and bars in those areas and the expected gathering of thousands of fans.

The security directorate justified these exceptional decisions by the existence of 'high risks of threatening public order and compromising the security of property and people.' These precautions are driven by security concerns and fears of a repeat of the scenario that followed the 2022 World Cup semi-final match between the two teams, which saw more than 20,000 people gather on the Champs-Élysées, and ended with violent confrontations and riots that resulted in the arrest of more than 100 people, injuries to police officers from projectiles, and shop and restaurant owners having to quickly close their doors.

The authorities called on citizens and visitors to exercise caution and follow the official transport applications to adjust their routes, stressing that these measures are 'proportionate and necessary' to ensure the security of the capital.

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