Paris has deployed at least 8,000 police officers and imposed sweeping security restrictions ahead of France's World Cup quarter-final against Morocco on Thursday evening. Intelligence services have warned of public-order risks tied to the knockout-stage stakes, prompting authorities to shut metro stations near the Champs-Élysées, ban fireworks and fuel canisters, and close the Place de l'Étoile around the Arc de Triomphe. Additional measures include alcohol sales restrictions and traffic curbs in the Marais district.
The match will be played more than 5,500 kilometres away at Foxborough Stadium near Boston, but Paris expects massive crowds. France entered the knockout rounds with a perfect group-stage record of nine points and a 10-2 goal difference, while Morocco advanced with seven points.
In a separate development, the rights group FairSquare has filed a complaint against FIFA president Gianni Infantino before the International Olympic Committee, alleging he breached political neutrality rules by supporting President Trump. The tournament final is scheduled for 19 July at the New York New Jersey Stadium.