Lyon’s bars ride the highs then heartbreak as France exit World Cup | OneFootball

Lyon’s bars ride the highs then heartbreak as France exit World Cup | OneFootball

In partnership with

Yahoo sports
Icon: OffsAIde

OffsAIde

·15 July 2026

Lyon’s bars ride the highs then heartbreak as France exit World Cup

Article image:Lyon’s bars ride the highs then heartbreak as France exit World Cup

Lyon buzzed on Bastille Day as France met Spain in a World Cup semi-final with kick-off at nine pm, a night that ended in French elimination. Before kick-off, France could have become the third team to reach three straight World Cup finals after Germany and Brazil.

According to Le Progres, fireworks from the Fourvière esplanade were set for 11pm to cap a hoped-for party, while bar terraces were already packed for the last 16 and quarter-finals. In Corbas, festivities began at four pm, and La Pavane in Villeurbanne set up three screens for more than 350 people.


OneFootball Videos


David, 17, from Bron said his Spanish roots meant he would be happy whatever the result. Supporters in Lyon sang La Marseillaise together.

Tension spiked after Spain’s first goal. A penalty was awarded to La Roja after Lucas Digne fouled Lamine Yamal in the area. In Crazy Dog on place des Terreaux, supporters gradually lost hope as the game wore on.

At Le Chazanne, Grégory Doucet and Marine Tondelier watched the semi-final, while the mayor of Bron, Jérémie Breaud, welcomed the family feel. By full-time, many fans were despondent.

View publisher imprint