By Abida Kahlun
Bureau Chief Helsinki
Snn News Finland
One officer hospitalised as riot Morocco police deploy shields and batons; Paris celebrates calmly despite 8,000-officer security operation
Clashes Erupt on Edgware Road
Violent clashes broke out between Morocco supporters and London’s Metropolitan Police on Edgware Road on Thursday night, hours after France eliminated Morocco from the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a 2-0 quarterfinal victory.
Riot police equipped with shields and batons were deployed to the area to control large crowds as smoke filled the streets. Fans threw bottles, fireworks and other projectiles at officers attempting to hold the line.
Officer Injured and Hospitalised
According to British outlet The Sun, one police officer was injured during the disorder and taken to hospital. Video footage circulating on social media showed the officer lying on the ground while colleagues administered aid and ambulances arrived at the scene.
The extent of the officer’s injuries has not been officially confirmed by London police.
Match Result and Context
France defeated Morocco 2-0 at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts, with goals from Kylian Mbappé and Ousmane Dembélé. The result eliminated Morocco from the tournament, ending the Atlas Lions’ run for the second consecutive World Cup after a semi-final exit in 2022.
Morocco’s departure means no African nation remains in the 2026 World Cup, which is being jointly hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Paris Remains Calm Despite Security Fears
French authorities had braced for possible unrest following the win, deploying roughly 8,000 police officers across Paris amid concerns of disturbances similar to those seen after Paris Saint-Germain’s Champions League win over Arsenal earlier this year.
Those fears did not materialise. Supporters of both France and Morocco were reported celebrating together peacefully in the capital, with cars flying French and Moroccan flags moving through the streets, reflecting France’s large Moroccan diaspora community. French Sports Minister Marina Ferrari had urged fans to “behave responsibly” ahead of the match, while Interior Minister Laurent Nunez had ordered additional security measures nationwide.
Second Incident This Week Involving Morocco Fans
The London disorder follows similar scenes in The Hague, Netherlands, days earlier, when Moroccan fans celebrating a Round-of-16 win over the Netherlands clashed with Dutch riot police in the Schilderswijk district. Officers used water cannons to disperse crowds after fireworks and stones were thrown, resulting in several arrests.
What Happens Next
France advances to face the winner of Spain and Belgium in the semi-final stage. Elsewhere in the competition, England are set to face Norway on July 11, with Argentina meeting Switzerland in another quarterfinal tie.
London’s Metropolitan Police have not yet released an official statement detailing arrests or further action related to the Edgware Road disturbances.
France’s 2026 World Cup campaign
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