FIFA approves minute of silence before France vs Spain World Cup semi-final

Tuesday 14 July 2026 - 13:00

By: Azzat Manal

FIFA approves minute of silence before France vs Spain World Cup semi-final

A minute of silence will be observed before the 2026 FIFA World Cup semi-final between France and Spain to honor the victims of the 2016 terrorist attack in Nice, following a request supported by French President Emmanuel Macron.

The tribute will take place before kick-off at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, where two of the tournament's strongest teams are set to compete for a place in the World Cup final.

President Macron confirmed that FIFA had agreed to the request and thanked FIFA President Gianni Infantino for approving the commemorative gesture. The match coincides with the tenth anniversary of the attack that occurred during France's Bastille Day celebrations on 14 July 2016.

The Nice attack remains one of the deadliest terrorist incidents in modern French history. During the national holiday celebrations, a truck was deliberately driven into crowds gathered along the city's famous Promenade des Anglais, resulting in dozens of fatalities and hundreds of injuries. The tragedy left a lasting impact on France and prompted significant changes to the country's security policies.

The planned tribute reflects football's tradition of honoring victims of major tragedies through moments of remembrance before international matches. FIFA and national football associations have frequently used such ceremonies to express solidarity with affected communities and to promote unity through sport.

While attention will soon turn to the highly anticipated semi-final, the ceremony will provide players, officials, and supporters with an opportunity to remember those who lost their lives and to stand together in a message of respect and remembrance.

The France–Spain encounter is expected to be one of the standout matches of the tournament, with both teams aiming to secure a place in the World Cup final. However, before the sporting contest begins, the focus will briefly shift to honoring the memory of the victims and reaffirming the values of peace and solidarity that unite the global football community.