Dutch police arrested at least 17 people after celebrations following Morocco’s penalty-shootout victory over the Netherlands in the Round of 32 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup turned violent in The Hague and Rotterdam.
According to Dutch media, 13 people were arrested in and around the Schilderswijk district of The Hague after clashes broke out between football fans and police.
Authorities said officers came under attack from fireworks, stones and other objects as celebrations escalated. Four people were arrested on suspicion of public violence, while others were detained for offenses including disturbing public order.
Two additional arrests were made after officers were allegedly threatened with what was initially believed to be a handgun. Police later determined the weapon was a BB gun.
Large crowds of Moroccan supporters gathered in the streets of The Hague after Morocco defeated the Netherlands on penalties, setting off fireworks and celebrating the victory before riot police intervened. Officers used water cannons and conducted crowd-control charges to disperse the gathering and restore order.
In Rotterdam, police arrested four people on suspicion of assault and disturbing public order after moving to clear crowds celebrating in the city center early Tuesday.
Local authorities said hundreds of supporters had initially celebrated peacefully, but officers ordered the crowd to disperse after the permitted period for public gatherings had expired.
Police said some people refused to leave and surrounded officers, prompting riot police to intervene. During the confrontation, a flowerpot was thrown at police before authorities cleared the area and cordoned off the street.
Morocco secured its place in the Round of 16 after defeating the Netherlands 3-2 in a penalty shootout following a 1-1 draw after extra time. The Atlas Lions will next face Canada as they continue their World Cup campaign.
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