Moulins, a town of 19,000 residents, has adopted a nighttime curfew for minors aged 16 and under for the duration of the FIFA World Cup. The measure, aimed at safeguarding local youth, will take effect on Saturday evening with the highly anticipated Brazil versus Morocco match.
The curfew, scheduled from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. across a broad section of the city centre, was enacted in collaboration with the prefecture and national police. Children may remain outdoors if accompanied by a parent or legal guardian, or for justified reasons such as medical emergencies.
Alongside the curfew, the city will establish a fan zone capable of hosting up to 18,000 spectators at Île du Ramier for France’s matches if the team reaches the quarter‑finals, semi‑finals or final.
Opponents, including LFI MP François Piquemal, have criticized the decree as “madness” and argue that young people will be disproportionately affected.
Clermont‑Ferrand Embraces Strict Measures
Clermont‑Ferrand’s mayor Julien Bony has announced an even stricter curfew from 11 p.m. to 7 a.m., enforceable by a €150 fine. The city will host no fan zone, even if France reaches the final, and local bars will be required to orient their screens inward to prevent street crowds.
Varied Approaches to Fan Zones Across Major Cities
Marseille, governed by the Socialists, has no plans for a fan zone. Paris has yet to finalize arrangements, while Lyon’s Green-led council has left the decision open, encouraging residents to watch matches in bars and restaurants.
Strasbourg will display France’s games on a large screen and on bar terraces. In Vénissieux, LFI mayor Idir Boumertit has promised widespread match screenings and community events, including barbecue areas.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will take place in the United States, Canada, and Mexico from 11 June to 19 July.
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