"Do Not Go on This Day"...What Is Happening in Paris Ahead of World Cup Matches

by Yun Seulgi

Published 12 Jun.2026 21:35(KST)

Embassy of Korea in France Issues Safety Advisory During World Cup
"Avoid Visiting the Eiffel Tower and Other Major Sites on Match Days"

As the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North and Central America has kicked off, the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in France has issued a safety advisory for Korean residents and tourists staying in Paris.

Soccer fans set fire to cars in excitement over PSG's Champions League victory. Photo by AFP Yonhap News

On June 11 (local time), the embassy posted a notice on its website, referring to the outbreak of unrest across France, including Paris, following Paris Saint-Germain (PSG)'s second consecutive UEFA Champions League (UCL) title win on May 30. The embassy advised, "We strongly recommend that you avoid visiting areas where crowds are expected to gather, especially on major match days and immediately after matches."

The embassy further stated, "There is a risk that similar crowd gatherings and unexpected disturbances could recur during the World Cup period," and emphasized that "extra caution is needed at major tourist attractions, especially Trocadéro Square (near the Eiffel Tower) and the Champs-Élysées (near the Arc de Triomphe)."

It continued, "If you must pass through these areas, be careful not to get caught up in the flow of crowds, and if the situation worsens, immediately move indoors." The embassy also warned that "for certain matches, such as the upcoming France vs. Senegal match on June 16, the size of gatherings could be larger than in previous years." As the match against Senegal is expected to be the biggest group stage match, security in downtown Paris will be heightened around that day.

Previously, after PSG won the Champions League, violent incidents broke out throughout Paris. Around 20,000 people gathered on the Champs-Élysées alone, and among them, some damaged shops and set fire to vehicles.

France deployed 22,000 police officers to maintain order, but more than 780 people were arrested nationwide, and it was reported that 57 police and gendarmes and around 200 civilians were injured.