London riots break out after Morocco eliminated by France in 2026
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Public unrest broke out in parts of London late on Thursday night, and it is understood this is due to Morocco’s exit from the 2026 FIFA World Cup at the hands of France.
France defeated Morocco 2-0, causing the African country to be eliminated in the quarter-finals for the second consecutive time.
As a result, many feared Paris would descend into riots, especially after the chaos that followed Paris Saint-Germain’s UEFA Champions League victory over Arsenal in May. Instead, images and videos from Edgware Road in north-west London showed police clashing with large crowds as smoke billowed through the streets and rubble was strewn across the roads.
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A police vehicle stands on the road as people from pro-Palestinian activist groups gather near the Edgware United Synagogue during a demonstration against the “Great Israeli Property Event” organized by the real estate agency ‘My Home in Israel’, which markets properties in Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank, London, Britain, June 14, 2026. (Toby Shepherd)
Riot police equipped with shields and body armor were seen trying to control the crowd as they clashed with people throwing fireworks and throwing debris. A video also emerged showing an officer being tackled to the ground.
KYLIAN MBAPPÉ, OUSMANE DEMBÉLÉ PUT FRANCE INTO THE WORLD CUP SEMI-FINALS BY IMPROVING MOROCCO
The fate of the police officer seen on the asphalt and how he was injured is unknown.
Fans were seen waving Moroccan flags in the middle of the streets blocking traffic. Some were even seen jumping on vehicles trying to pass through the area.
Moroccan fans in the stands before the 2026 FIFA World Cup Quarterfinal match between France and Morocco at Boston Stadium on July 9, 2026 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Richard Sellers/SportsphotoAllstar)
Similar scenes unfolded after Egypt’s elimination from the World Cup, as Argentina rallied to a controversial 3-2 win, with many questionable refereeing decisions.
Paris, on the other hand, looked more like a city celebrating than a city on the brink of revolt. Supporters of both France and Morocco filled the streets, slowing traffic in many parts of the city.
A video showed horns honking from the windows of cars flying French and Moroccan flags on the Champs-Élysées Boulevard in Paris. Fans on the roadside also joined the celebration with their own flags.
France’s Kylian Mbappé scored his eighth goal of this World Cup, which ties him most with Argentina’s Lionel Messi. Ousmane Dembélé also scored in the second half for France, which beat Morocco 2-0.
While France reached the semi-finals for the third consecutive time, Morocco still made World Cup history despite the defeat. After becoming the first African country in 2022 World Cup history to reach the quarter-finals and semi-finals, they became the first African country to reach multiple quarter-finals.
Moroccan fans react while attending a viewing party for the World Cup round of 8 match between France and Morocco on July 9, 2026 in Boston, Massachusetts. (JOSEPH PREZIOSO / AFP)
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Morocco’s departure means there are no longer any surviving African nations in the World Cup. France will face the winner of Spain and Belgium, while England-Norway and Argentina-Switzerland will play in the quarter-finals.
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