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Thirteen individuals were arrested by Dutch police in The Hague following riots and violent incidents targeting security forces after Morocco's penalty-shootout win over the Netherlands, which secured their place in the next round of the 2026 World Cup.
According to police, several fans threw stones and fireworks at officers, and powerful pyrotechnics were set off during celebrations in the Schilderswijk district. Later, motorcycle officers were also targeted with various objects, while some young individuals used specially designed guns to fire plastic pellets at officers, as reported by Dutch media.
Celebrations erupted immediately after the final whistle, with «fans raising Moroccan flags, driving through city streets, and honking their horns», in celebration of the Atlas Lions' advancement to the next round.
About thirty minutes post-match, a procession of jubilant fans moving toward Marktweg escalated into clashes with the police after objects were hurled and public roads were blocked, according to the same source.
Riot police responded by pushing back the crowds with shields and deploying a water cannon to disperse the celebrants, confirmed a police spokesperson.
The Hague Mayor Jan van Zanen expressed regret over the incidents, noting that fans had taken to the streets to celebrate the match, but «unfortunately, not everyone had festive intentions». He emphasized that «violence against police officers is unacceptable and unrelated to celebrating football».
