top cx logo
cx logo
Explorearrow down
search icon

France World Cup Final to be on giant screen in Paris

The mayor of Paris has confirmed the football World Cup Final will be shown on a giant screen on the Champs de Mars at the Eiffel Tower, after France won its place last night.

Anne Hidalgo confirmed the Champs de Mars screening of Sunday’s Final, after France beat Belgium 1-0 in Saint Petersburg to win through to the showdown, which will be against England or Croatia. They play tonight and the match will be shown live on French channel TF1 from 19.50. BBC 5 Live has full English commentary on the game.

After the first half ended 0-0 last night France finished the game on top after Samuel Umtiti scored the match’s only goal with a header from a corner in the 51st minute.

Ms Hidalgo encouraged would-be spectators to attend the Champ de Mars screening.

Paris has already installed a big screen in front of the Hôtel de Ville - on which Ms Hidalgo watched the France-Belgium game - but the mayor explained that the Champs de Mars setting would be far larger.

She said: “Come to Paris for the final, it will be on the Champs de Mars, where there will be far more people. There will be much more space.”

Fans in Paris were luckier than those watching the game on a special giant screen in Nice city centre... as the screen went black for about 15 minutes just a few minutes before half-time.

In the capital last night, thousands of people lined the Champs-Elysées in Paris to celebrate France’s World Cup win, with the celebrations reaching long into the night throughout the city.

Ms Hidalgo also thanked the city’s authorities for helping set up the big screens, and the police and gendarmerie for securing spectators’ safety throughout.

This is the first time that France has made it to a World Cup Final since 2006 and it won the trophy in 1998. Then Les Bleus' captain was midfielder Didier Deschamps, who is today's team manager.

If France win on Sunday he would become only the third man in history to win the trophy as both player and manager, following Brazil's Mario Zagallo and Germany's Franz Beckenbauer.

Stay informed:
Sign up to our free weekly e-newsletter
Subscribe to access all our online articles and receive our printed monthly newspaper The Connexion at your home. News analysis, features and practical help for English-speakers in France

Resident or second-home owner in France?
Benefit from our daily digest of headlines and how-to's to help you make the most of life in France
By joining the newsletter, you agree to our Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy
See more popular articles
The Connexion Help Guides
featured helpguide
Healthcare in France*
Featured Help Guide
- Understand the French healthcare system, how you access it and how you are reimbursed - Useful if you are new to the French healthcare system or want a more in-depth understanding - Reader question and answer section Aimed at non-French nationals living here, the guide gives an overview of what you are (and are not) covered for. There is also information for second-home owners and regular visitors.
Get news, views and information from France