Morocco’s Victory Sparks Celebrations and Clashes in The Hague and Casablanca

Soccer fans clashed with police in The Hague while exuberant celebrations took place in Casablanca after Morocco’s victory over the Netherlands in the World Cup. The defeat led to the Netherlands’ earliest exit from the tournament, as Morocco triumphed in a penalty shootout on Monday night.

The Moroccan community in the Netherlands felt both joy and turmoil. In The Hague’s Schilderswijk district, sporadic clashes occurred between fans and police. Authorities reported fireworks being set off and officers being attacked with projectiles like stones and fireworks. Riot squads were deployed, using water cannons to disperse the crowd. “A few individuals have been arrested for committing open violence,” confirmed police.

Meanwhile, in Casablanca, Morocco’s largest city, celebrations erupted as Ismael Saibari scored the decisive penalty, propelling the team to the Round of 16. The joyful noise from fans in a local coffee shop transformed the streets into a vivid scene of celebration. Flares and fireworks lit up the sky as car horns pierced the early morning hours, with many fans continuing the revelry despite the approaching workday.

By 5 a.m. local time, a throng gathered in Casablanca, proudly waving Moroccan flags and chanting, “Canada, we’re coming for you,” as Morocco prepared to face co-host Canada in the following round. The Atlas Lions had defeated Canada 2-1 during the 2022 World Cup group stage.

As Morocco aims for another impressive tournament run, reminiscent of their historic semifinal achievement four years ago, expectations within the country’s fanbase are gaining momentum.

Akram Oubachir in Casablanca contributed additional reporting to this article.