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Brussels authorities have stepped up security measures ahead of Thursday night's World Cup quarter-final between Morocco and France, anticipating large celebrations by the Belgian capital's sizeable Franco-Moroccan community.
According to Belgian media, police have coordinated all six Brussels police zones through a joint command center, while public transport operators have introduced preventive measures. De Lijn buses will avoid Molenbeek and Anderlecht between 11 p.m. and 2 a.m., and authorities may again close metro stations and divert STIB bus routes if necessary, as they did after Morocco's victory over Canada.
Local authorities have also ordered the securing of construction barriers and the removal of rubbish bins to prevent them from being used as projectiles. In Ixelles, bars showing the match on giant screens have been instructed to keep screens facing inward and manage crowds, while terraces will be allowed to remain open beyond the usual midnight closing time.
The measures come despite the largely peaceful celebrations following Morocco's win over Canada, but also reflect concerns stemming from the unrest that followed Morocco's victory over Belgium at the 2022 World Cup. No outdoor fan zone has been authorized in Brussels for the match.
