Although San Francisco’s France fans may not be able to celebrate the outcome of the match, this weekend will be the city’s seventh annual Bastille Day festival.
Jul 14, 2026
Updated 4:57 pm PT
Charles Dela Roca (left), a fan of Spain, pretends to fight with his friend Theo Piel, a fan of France, during the FIFA World Cup game between France and Spain in San Francisco on July 14, 2026. The team lost 2-0 to Spain in the World Cup semifinals — on a holiday that marks the beginning of the French Revolution. (Beth LaBerge/KQED)
Packed into North Beach bars, France fans wrapped themselves in flags, painted their cheeks and cheered on their national team as it faced off against Spain in the World Cup semifinals.
This year’s match coincided with Bastille Day – a national holiday commemorating the beginning of the French Revolution – which made it an extra special occasion for Bay Area “Frenchies.”
“We must win because it’s also a special day for France,” said Emma Cachot, a French national who came to watch the match with her friends.
Fans of France watch the FIFA World Cup game between France and Spain at Paname bar in San Francisco on July 14, 2026.
Despite the excitement, Spain defeated France 2-0.
Theo Piel, a San Francisco native, came prepared for the occasion, wielding a baguette and donning a beret.
“I was born and raised in San Francisco to French parents, so I speak fluent French and I’m fortunate enough to have the French culture with the San Francisco living,” Piel said.
He said he would still celebrate Bastille Day, win or lose.
Piel’s friend, Charles Dela Roca, voiced his support for Spain — because he’s planning to move there next year.