The World Cup match between France and Spain, played this Tuesday in Dallas, will begin with a minute of silence in tribute to the victims of the Nice attack. FIFA accepted the request made by the mayor of Nice, Éric Ciotti, for the match to be preceded by a moment of reflection, ten years after the attack that plunged France into mourning on July 14, 2016. This decision gives international significance to the commemoration of one of the deadliest attacks in the country's recent history. Millions of viewers around the world will witness this tribute before the kickoff of the semi-final.
A request addressed to FIFA
The mayor of Nice had requested that FIFA organize a minute of silence before the match between France and Spain. The international governing body agreed, allowing players, referees, officials, and spectators to observe a moment of reflection together. The choice of this match carries strong symbolic significance. It takes place on July 14th, Bastille Day, which also marks the tenth anniversary of the attack on the Promenade des Anglais.
Emmanuel Macron thanks FIFA
President Emmanuel Macron welcomed FIFA's decision on social media, stating: "Thank you to the FIFA president for responding to the request of France and all the French people who mobilized. We will never forget." This message underscores the French authorities' desire to see this anniversary commemorated on the international sporting stage as well.
The memory of the Nice attack
On July 14, 2016, shortly after the Bastille Day fireworks display, a truck speeding along the Promenade des Anglais plowed into the crowd gathered to celebrate. The attack left 86 dead and more than 450 injured, sending shockwaves through France and around the world. Ten years later, several commemorative ceremonies are being held in Nice. The minute of silence planned before the France-Spain match will further honor these tributes by reminding the world of the victims of this tragedy.
