Soccer fans celebrated wildly in Casablanca, Morocco, and clashed with police in The Hague after Morocco defeated the Netherlands in the FIFA World Cup on Monday night, sending the Dutch team to its earliest tournament exit. The victory secured Morocco a spot in the Round of 16.
In The Hague, where fans of the Morocco soccer team gathered, sporadic clashes erupted. Dutch police reported that heavy fireworks were set off in the Schilderswijk district, and officers were pelted with fireworks and stones. Riot squads were deployed, and a water cannon was used to disperse the crowd. Police confirmed that a few individuals were arrested for committing open violence.
Meanwhile, in Casablanca, the atmosphere was jubilant. As Morocco sealed its victory on penalties, fans erupted in cheers, with celebrations spilling into the streets. Flares and fireworks lit the sky, horns blared, and fans waved Moroccan flags, chanting their team's next destination: "Canada, we're coming for you."
Morocco is set to face co-host Canada in the next round on Saturday. This marks a significant achievement for the Atlas Lions, who previously defeated Canada 2-1 in the group stage of the 2022 World Cup. Supporters are hopeful for a historic run, echoing the team's 2018 performance when Morocco became the first African team to reach the World Cup semifinals.