Thousands of French celebrate in Stuttgart: Peaceful football festival before the semi-finals!

Thousands of French celebrate in Stuttgart: Peaceful football festival before the semi-finals!

On June 5, 2025, tens of thousands of French football fans celebrated in Stuttgart before the eagerly anticipated Nations League semi-final against Spain. The whole city was in a festive mood and the supporters started their fan march from Untertürkheim train station to the MHP Arena. According to [Stuttgarter Nachrichten](https://www.stuttgarter-nachrichten.de/content.nations-league-in-stuttgart-tausche-franzosen- Feiern-eine-friedliche-fussballparty.0bf0a91d-5c50-4b3e-a31b-d0ade86a34a5.html) the atmosphere among the fans was exuberant and peaceful, despite a few isolated ones Firecrackers and happy fan chants.

The anticipation for the game was clearly noticeable. Franck Grasseler, a 36-year-old fan from Alsace, commented on the game analysis and appeared to be well informed. His fluent German and familiarity with southern Germany ensured that he felt at home in the colorful crowd. Police monitored the situation remotely and escorted fans, with no concerns about possible riots. The French delegation brought its own security personnel to support the celebrations.

Celebrate together in the beer garden

Before the march to the stadium began, the fans gathered in the beer garden at the castle garden, where 2,000 seats were reserved. Operator Sonja Merz reported a relaxed atmosphere and a high number of people. Fans particularly enjoyed the local cuisine, particularly the popular currywurst, and seemed more interested in food and drink than potential conflict.

At around 5 p.m. the fans headed towards the stadium in two fan trains. Up to 20,000 French football fans are expected inside the MHP Arena to loudly support their team. The game, which kicks off at 9 p.m., promises to be an exciting duel between defending champions Spain and former Nations League champions France. Sportregion Stuttgart highlights that this is a highlight in international club football, as the final tournament of the Nations League will be held in Germany, with Munich and Stuttgart as venues.

Historical context

The tournament takes place as part of the almost completed 2024/2025 season, with Germany hosting the Final Four tournament for the first time. The start took place on June 4th in Munich with the game between Germany and Portugal. The final will follow on June 8th in Munich and the game for third place in Stuttgart. Historically, France have performed strongly in the past, winning the Nations League in 2021 and finishing runner-up in 2022.

France last played in Stuttgart on June 13, 2006, when they drew 0-0 against Switzerland in the World Cup group stage. With today's game, the history of the French national team and its achievements will once again be in the spotlight as fans in Stuttgart experience a peaceful celebration.