Morocco’s World Cup Win Sparks Celebrations, Arrests in Netherlands

Morocco’s dramatic penalty shoot-out victory over the Netherlands at the 2026 FIFA World Cup sparked jubilant celebrations in the Dutch city of The Hague on Tuesday, before the festivities descended into clashes that led to multiple arrests.

The celebrations were centred in the Schilderswijk district, an area known for its large Moroccan community, where hundreds of supporters poured into the streets immediately after Morocco secured qualification for the Round of 16.

Fans wrapped in Moroccan flags danced, sang and celebrated as motorists joined the festivities by sounding their horns. Firecrackers echoed through the neighbourhood while supporters kicked footballs into the air and waved flags in celebration.

Witnesses said several hundred people gathered at a major intersection, with some revellers climbing onto moving vehicles and interacting with passengers as excitement spread across the district.

However, the atmosphere changed about an hour into the celebrations when riot police arrived to disperse the growing crowd.

According to reports, officers deployed water cannons and carried out baton charges to restore order after tensions escalated.

Journalists at the scene reported that approximately a dozen people were arrested during the operation.

Some of those detained were seen being struck on the legs with batons before being restrained, handcuffed and taken away in police vans.

Police officers on bicycles also pursued groups of youths through nearby streets in an effort to disperse the remaining crowd.

Despite the confrontations, there were no reports of widespread destruction of property or significant damage within the neighbourhood.

Many supporters declined to speak with journalists covering the celebrations, while several individuals concealed their identities by wearing balaclavas and other face coverings.

Morocco secured the memorable victory after an intense Round of 32 encounter against the Netherlands in Monterrey ended 1-1 following extra time.

The tie was eventually decided through a tense penalty shoot-out after both teams missed several spot-kicks.

The decisive moment came when Morocco forward Ismael Saibari, who plays club football for PSV Eindhoven in the Netherlands, calmly converted the winning penalty to seal qualification.

Morocco will now face co-hosts Canada in the Round of 16 as they continue their quest for a historic World Cup campaign, while Dutch authorities are expected to review security measures following the disturbances that accompanied the celebrations.