On June 30, 2026, following Morocco's World Cup match against an unspecified opponent, clashes broke out in multiple cities in the Netherlands, including The Hague and Utrecht. Police reported that groups of youths set off fireworks, damaged property, and confronted law enforcement, leading to several arrests. The unrest mirrors similar incidents that occurred during the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (CAN 2025) in Morocco, where celebrations turned violent in Dutch cities with large Moroccan diaspora communities.
In The Hague, authorities deployed additional police units to restore order after reports of vandalism and fires in the Schilderswijk neighborhood. In Utrecht, officers used water cannons to disperse crowds. No serious injuries have been reported, but property damage is being assessed. The Dutch police have not yet released official figures on the number of arrests.
These events are part of a recurring pattern of post-match unrest involving Moroccan fans in the Netherlands, particularly after high-stakes games. During the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, similar clashes occurred after Morocco's victories. The 2025 CAN, hosted by Morocco, also saw celebrations turn into riots in several Dutch cities, prompting calls for stricter measures.
Local authorities are urging calm and reminding the public that celebrations must remain peaceful. The Moroccan embassy in the Netherlands has not yet commented on the latest incidents.
