France's defeat to Spain in the World Cup semifinal sparked a wave of riots and clashes with police in Paris and other cities across the country. French authorities had anticipated possible unrest, as the match coincided with Bastille Day celebrations, and deployed around 70,000 police and gendarmes onto the streets.

According to French media, approximately 70,000 police and gendarmes were mobilized nationwide for security, with about 5,000 in Paris. Despite heightened security measures, clashes with law enforcement, arson, and looting erupted immediately after the national team's defeat in the capital and other cities.

Police reported that 141 people were arrested in Paris alone on Wednesday night. Law enforcement had to use special means to disperse aggressive rioters. There are also reports of injuries, but no fatalities have been confirmed.

The unrest was triggered by France's 0-2 loss to Spain in the World Cup semifinal held in Dallas. Meanwhile, social media was flooded not only with real footage of the clashes but also with AI-generated fake videos purporting to show massive destruction in Paris. Their spread only intensified the wave of disinformation surrounding the events.

Spain's victory made them the first finalist of the 2026 World Cup. "La Roja" will compete for the main football trophy for the first time since their triumphant 2010 campaign.

Source: podrobno.uz