Football Fans Clash with Police in The Hague After Morocco’s Stunning World Cup Victory

Celebrations following Morocco’s dramatic World Cup victory over the Netherlands turned violent overnight as football fans clashed with police in the Dutch city of The Hague, prompting riot officers to intervene with water cannons and batons while making several arrests. The unrest came just hours after Morocco eliminated the Netherlands in a penalty shootout, handing the Dutch their earliest-ever exit from a FIFA World Cup.

The disturbances were concentrated in Schilderswijk, a district of The Hague that is home to one of the Netherlands’ largest Moroccan communities. Hundreds of supporters initially gathered to celebrate Morocco’s historic victory, waving national flags, sounding car horns, setting off fireworks and dancing in the streets. The festive atmosphere, however, later descended into chaos as some individuals began throwing fireworks and stones at police officers.

According to Dutch police, officers were attacked with heavy fireworks and other projectiles while attempting to keep roads clear and maintain public order. Riot police were deployed to disperse the crowds, using water cannons and baton charges after repeated warnings failed to restore calm. Authorities confirmed that several people were arrested on suspicion of committing acts of public violence, although officials did not immediately release the exact number of those detained.

Despite the unrest in The Hague, celebrations elsewhere were largely peaceful. In Casablanca, Morocco’s largest city, thousands of supporters poured into the streets after Ismael Saibari converted the decisive penalty to secure a 3-2 shootout victory following a 1-1 draw after extra time. Fireworks illuminated the night sky as fans sang, waved flags and celebrated another memorable achievement for the Atlas Lions.

The match itself was one of the biggest surprises of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The Netherlands appeared to be on course for victory after Cody Gakpo gave the Dutch the lead in the second half, but Morocco equalised deep into stoppage time through Issa Diop before holding their nerve in the penalty shootout. Goalkeeper Yassine Bounou made a crucial save, allowing PSV Eindhoven midfielder Ismael Saibari to score the winning spot-kick and send Morocco into the Round of 16.

The Hague has experienced similar disturbances following major Morocco victories in previous international tournaments because of its large Moroccan-Dutch population. Authorities had increased security ahead of the match, anticipating large public gatherings regardless of the result. Additional officers were deployed across several Dutch cities, including Amsterdam, Rotterdam and Utrecht, to monitor post-match celebrations.

Dutch officials condemned the violence, stressing that while supporters have every right to celebrate sporting success, attacks on police officers and damage to public property would not be tolerated. Investigators are reviewing CCTV footage to identify others involved in the disorder, and further arrests are expected in the coming days.

Meanwhile, Morocco’s players urged fans to celebrate responsibly. Head coach Mohamed Ouahbi described the victory as another milestone for Moroccan football, saying the team had earned the world’s respect through discipline, determination and belief. Morocco will now face co-hosts Canada in the Round of 16 as they continue their bid for another historic World Cup run.