Morocco eliminated the Netherlands from the 2026 FIFA World Cup on penalties Monday night, triggering both celebrations and clashes. In The Hague, police faced off with Moroccan fans in the Schilderswijk district, where riot squads used water cannons and made several arrests. Meanwhile, Casablanca erupted in joy as the Atlas Lions advanced to the Round of 16.
Clashes in The Hague
Police in The Hague reported that “heavy fireworks were set off” and officers were pelted with fireworks and stones. Riot squads charged the crowd and deployed a water cannon to disperse the gathering. “A few individuals have been arrested for committing open violence,” police said. The Netherlands has a sizable Moroccan community, and while many fans celebrated peacefully, sporadic clashes broke out.
Celebrations in Casablanca
In Casablanca, a coffee shop popular with fans fell silent as the penalty shootout reached its climax. When Ismael Saibari buried the decisive spot kick, the tension exploded into a deafening roar. Celebrations poured into the streets, with flares and fireworks cracking overhead, horns blaring, and engines revving deep into the night. Despite the late kickoff and the workday ahead, dozens of jubilant fans gathered on a main boulevard around 5 a.m. local time, dancing, waving Moroccan flags, and chanting, “Canada, we’re coming for you.”
Next Match Against Canada
Morocco will face co-host Canada in the Round of 16 on Saturday. The Atlas Lions previously beat Canada 2-1 in the group stage of the 2022 World Cup. Expectations are soaring in Morocco as supporters dream of another historic run like four years ago, when the country became the first African team to reach the World Cup semifinals.
