French soccer fans in North Texas are gearing up for a significant celebration next week, as the World Cup semifinal match between France and Spain coincides with Bastille Day—France’s national holiday. The highly anticipated game is scheduled to take place at Dallas Stadium on Tuesday, July 14, at 2 p.m.
This year’s Bastille Day holds special significance for supporters of the French national team. A victory would not only elevate France to the World Cup final for the third consecutive tournament but also provide an opportunity to celebrate the nation’s cultural heritage. Communities are mobilizing to organize watch parties, with plans already in place for gatherings to mark both the football match and the holiday.
Oui Dallas, a collective that unites the French youth community in the region, is collaborating with the Alliance Française de Dallas, a cultural and educational institution, to host a watch party at Hendy’s on Henderson Avenue. Following the match, attendees can join in a Bastille Day festivity at the venue, enhancing the celebratory atmosphere.
Additionally, Oak Cliff will host its annual Bastille Day event, marking its 16th edition. This free celebration will take place from 6 to 10 p.m. on the same day, further enriching the festive spirit among the local French community.
Quentin Hernandez, a Dallas resident originally from southern France, expressed his excitement about the upcoming match. Having attended the recent game against Morocco, he noted the overwhelming presence of Moroccan fans, which made the experience bittersweet. “It can be the best day of our lives, but it also can be very sad if the success is not there at the end of the game,” Hernandez remarked.
Alliance Française de Dallas representatives, Alexandre Rossignol and Angel Jimenez, shared their enthusiasm for this unique convergence of events. “For the World Cup, you have a community coming together to see and celebrate not only Bastille Day but to watch the game with us. I think it’s amazing,” Rossignol commented. Jimenez added, “We are happy to have such a game here in Dallas on July 14th. We are lucky.”
As the excitement builds for the semifinal match, fans eagerly await the outcome that could propel France to the final showdown on Sunday, July 19, at 2 p.m. CT.
