Heightened Security & Solemn Commemoration Mark France-Ukraine Match on Anniversary of 2015 Attacks
SAINT-DENIS, FRANCE – November 13, 2025 – France’s World Cup qualifying match against Ukraine tonight will be played under an “XXL” security system as the nation simultaneously marks the tenth anniversary of the November 13, 2015 terrorist attacks. The game, held at the Stade de France in Saint-Denis - a site directly impacted by the 2015 attacks - will feature reinforced security measures and serve as a symbol of national resilience.
The match has been classified as level 2 out of 5 by the National Division for the Fight against Hooliganism (DNLH),indicating a “degraded context likely to generate deviant behaviour on the part of supporters.” This assessment has prompted a complete security operation including systematic pat-downs, in-depth bag searches, and an expanded security perimeter around the stadium. Dog units and the Research and Intervention Brigade (BRI) are on standby, and the site was inspected by mine clearance teams the day prior. Police are especially focused on ensuring a peaceful interaction between French and Ukrainian supporters, though no major incidents are currently anticipated.
Though, some police unions have expressed concerns, with one security source stating, “The date, the international context, the symbolism of the place… We certainly know that we have had several destabilizing maneuvers related to Russian power in recent months.We have a lot of problems for this meeting.”
beyond security, the evening is intended as a national moment of remembrance. Laurent Nuñez emphasized the importance of continuing life despite the tragedy, stating, “Ten years after the attacks, ther coudl be no question of giving up sport or music. It is our duty to ensure that life remains in the ascendant.”
The French team is acutely aware of the meaning of the date. Coach Didier Deschamps,who was on the bench during the 2015 attacks,admitted,”Deep down,if we could have avoided playing on November 13,it would have been good.” He has asked his players “to remain dignified and focused,while having a thought for the victims.”
Players will wear the Bleuet de France on their jerseys, and a message reading “Football for Peace” will be displayed in the centre circle. Captain Kylian Mbappé affirmed the team’s commitment to honoring the victims, saying, “We wanted to spare a thought for all the people who have lost their loved ones… We will try to pay tribute to all these people tomorrow, both during the day and during the match, by trying to put smiles on the faces of the people who will come to the stadium.” He also stressed the importance of remembrance, adding, “We wont to make the French understand that, despite the fact that qualification for the World Cup is at stake, there are much more important things. The commemoration of this day… is one of them.”
