Hosting the Olympics, as seen with Paris 2024 and Los Angeles 2028, often sparks debates on its true economic impact. Despite grand promises, the Games frequently strain city budgets, leaving taxpayers to foot hefty bills.

Everyone seems to like the Olympics. Every two years, people rally behind their country’s athletes and root for them even in the most unusual sports we usually don’t pay much attention to. This year, though, it seems like everyone likes the Olympics except the French, ...