Disorder erupted in London after Morocco were eliminated from the FIFA World Cup 2026 following a 2-0 quarterfinal defeat to France on Thursday, July 9. According to multiple media reports, large groups of Morocco supporters gathered along Edgware Road, where clashes broke out between fans and riot police.
France’s victory ended Morocco’s impressive World Cup campaign and triggered contrasting scenes across Europe. While supporters celebrated Les Bleus’ progression to the semifinals in Paris, parts of northwest London witnessed unrest as thousands of Morocco fans gathered on the streets, waving flags, blocking traffic and chanting after the match.
According to reports, riot police equipped with shields and body armour were deployed to contain the crowds as tensions escalated. Videos circulating on social media showed smoke filling the streets, fireworks being set off and debris scattered across the roadway. Some supporters were also seen climbing onto vehicles and disrupting traffic as police attempted to regain control.
One widely shared video appeared to show a police officer lying on the ground, although the circumstances surrounding the incident and the extent of any injuries were not immediately confirmed. Officers were seen working to disperse the crowd and restore order as celebrations and frustration spilled onto the streets following the high-profile World Cup clash.
On the pitch, France secured a comfortable 2-0 victory over Morocco in the quarterfinal at Foxborough, Massachusetts. Kylian Mbappé continued his outstanding tournament by scoring his eighth goal of the competition, while Ousmane Dembélé added a second-half strike to book France’s place in the semifinals.
The defeat marked Morocco’s second successive World Cup elimination at the hands of France, having also lost to Les Bleus in the semifinals of the 2022 edition. Despite the result, Morocco continued to make history by becoming the first African nation to reach the FIFA World Cup quarterfinals on more than one occasion. France will now face the winner of the Spain vs Belgium quarterfinal in the semifinals.
