Violence erupts in London after France beat Morocco in World Cup
Morocco crash out of the World Cup (Photo: x.com/EnMaroc)
France's 2-0 victory over Morocco in the 2026 FIFA World Cup quarterfinals was expected to bring heightened security concerns because of the emotional atmosphere surrounding the match. Instead, while Paris remained peaceful under tight security, unrest broke out in London, according to X.
Paris stays calm thanks to unprecedented security operation
French authorities had feared possible street unrest in Paris, home to one of the world's largest Moroccan communities. In response, they launched a major security operation, deploying more than 20,000 police officers and gendarmes across the country.
In Paris alone, 8,000 officers were assigned to maintain order. Police implemented a series of strict security measures, including:
- imposing a curfew for minors;
- carrying out random ID checks after 9 p.m.;
- monitoring the streets with drones.
Thanks to these measures, French media described the evening as "peaceful and calm."
London erupts as clashes break out on Edgware Road
Instead, the center of the unrest unexpectedly shifted to the United Kingdom. In London's Edgware Road district, home to a large Moroccan community, tensions began rising as early as halftime.
Following Morocco's elimination from the World Cup, frustrated supporters clashed with police.
According to preliminary reports, some Morocco fans vandalized streets, attacked civilian vehicles, and confronted police officers. At least one officer was reportedly injured after being struck by a water bottle.
British police responded by using force to restore order, and four of the most aggressive individuals were arrested.
Police officers got chased by Moroccans fans Morocco after losing to France in round of 8 riot in London Edgware Road one police officer down got rushed to hospital I hope he survived pic.twitter.com/TjlrB1KMHH
— Zonjy (@zonjy_) July 10, 2026
