The match could soon be played out on the streets of Paris as well. As the 2026 World Cup moves into its knockout phase, the City of Paris is now weighing the installation of public fan zones if the French team books a spot in the quarterfinals.
Until now, City Hall had preferred to stay on the sidelines. With the time difference to the United States, Canada and Mexico—the host nations of the event—many matches were scheduled for 11 p.m., or even in the middle of the night in France. Those hours were hardly compatible with organizing large public gatherings and the substantial security measures they demand.
But as the tournament progresses, the schedule evolves. The quarter-finals and the competition's final matches are played earlier in the day in North America, which makes them accessible in the early evening in France. A change that opens up new organizational possibilities for the capital.
According to Le Parisien, Paris mayor Emmanuel Grégoire has confirmed that the City is now weighing this possibility. If France keep their progress going, fan zones could be set up in public spaces to allow supporters to follow the matches on a giant screen in an organized and secure setting. At this stage, no location has been officially announced, and the project remains under discussion with the police prefecture.
The kickoff for these Parisian fan zones hasn’t yet been given. But if the French team keeps its march toward the title, the giant screens could well emerge from the tunnel in time for the quarterfinals.
