A seat sits empty in France’s press box at every World Cup match to spotlight Christophe Gleizes, a Paris‑based sports journalist jailed in Algeria for supporting terrorism. His seven‑year sentence in 2025 sparked outrage among French media unions.

Journalists draped scarves reading "Free Gleizes" during Didier Deschamps’ press conference at the New Jersey New York Stadium before the France‑Senegal game. Gleizes’ mother, Sylvie, travelled to the tournament, noting that FIFA president Gianni Infantino had personally approved his accreditation.

The gesture underscores tension between France’s media community and Algerian authorities, and casts a shadow over France’s campaign in a tournament where every match matters for World Cup qualification. The empty seat becomes a stark reminder of how political decisions can ripple into international sporting arenas.

Algeria’s refusal to release Gleizes, despite pressure from French unions, signals a broader struggle over press freedom in the region. The move may influence future media access policies for global events hosted by nations with contentious human‑rights records.