Police officer injured, four arrested as London witnesses disorder after Morocco's World Cup exit

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Just Earth News | @justearthnews | 10 Jul 2026, 05:39 am Print

London

Violence erupts in London after France beat Morocco in FIFA World Cup 2026 quarter-finals. Photo: Screen-grab from X

A police officer was injured, and four people were arrested after violent disorder broke out in London following France's 2-0 victory over Morocco in the FIFA World Cup 2026 quarter-final on Thursday night.

The unrest unfolded on Edgware Road, where groups of supporters gathered after the match before clashes erupted with police officers.

Videos circulating on social media appeared to show flares being ignited, fireworks being discharged, and bottles and other objects being thrown at police officers as crowds occupied the roadway.

HAPPENING NOW: Moroccan Fans Riot & Trash London After World Cup Loss to France — Palestinian Flags EVERYWHERE.

If they riot like this over a football match, imagine what’s coming. pic.twitter.com/hF1X8UHtn8
— Kristin Sokoloff (@ksoklower48) July 10, 2026

According to the Metropolitan Police, officers were initially called after a group of people gathered in the street and blocked traffic.

The situation later escalated, prompting the deployment of additional police personnel.

In a statement, the force said: "Officers were initially called after a group of people congregated in the road and blocked traffic. The incident then escalated with the group throwing bottles and setting off fireworks. As a result, further officers were deployed to the area."

The Metropolitan Police confirmed that one officer was taken to hospital after being struck on the head by a glass bottle.

"One officer was taken to hospital for head injuries; it is believed he had been hit by a glass bottle. No other injuries were reported. Officers remained in the area and made four arrests for violent disorder, with the group dispersing and the road reopened from around 1 am."

"We will not tolerate such disorder on our streets, or attacks on our officers … we will be reviewing CCTV and video footage circulating on social media to ensure all those responsible are brought to justice," the force added.

Riot police deployed

Media reports showed police officers wearing riot gear moving into the area with shields and batons as they attempted to disperse the crowd.

According to reports, officers formed a protective cordon around the injured colleague while paramedics treated him at the scene before he was taken to hospital.

Morocco fans clash with riot police in London. Photo: Screen-grab from X

Reports also indicated that another officer sustained injuries during separate disturbances in west London and required medical treatment.

Separately, the UK Football Policing Unit released figures relating to England's earlier FIFA World Cup fixture against Mexico.

The unit said 223 football-related incidents were recorded across England and Wales following that match.

It reported six hate crime incidents, 32 cases of domestic abuse and 42 arrests linked to England's victory, during which licensed premises had been permitted to remain open until 5 am.

One dead during Celebrations in France

While celebrations continued across France after the national team's victory, emergency services confirmed that a 17-year-old girl died in Aulnoye-Aymeries, near Maubeuge, during post-match celebrations.

According to emergency officials, the teenager fell from a truck and was run over by the vehicle. She was declared dead at the scene.

Une haie d'honneur pour la police sur les Grands Boulevards après la qualification des Bleus en demi-finale de la Coupe du Monde face au Maroc. #MARFRA pic.twitter.com/nLGpcQTrw8
— CLPRESS / Agence de presse (@CLPRESSFR) July 9, 2026

Authorities said the truck driver had been detained, while another teenager who witnessed the incident was taken to hospital after suffering shock.

Security beefed up in Paris

Elsewhere in France, supporters celebrated the team's progression to the World Cup semi-finals under heightened security arrangements.

Thousands of police officers were deployed across the country, including around 8,000 in Paris, amid concerns that celebrations could resemble the violence seen after Paris Saint-Germain's UEFA Champions League triumph in May.

Despite those concerns, large numbers of supporters gathered peacefully in the French capital.

?FRANCE ??| #CoupeDuMonde2026 ⚽| Scènes de liesse, surtout à Paris après la victoire 2-0 de la #France ?? sur le #Maroc ?? en quarts de finale de la #CDM. Les autorités avaient déployé 8000 policiers à Paris et environ 20000 forces de sécurité sur l'ensemble du territoire. pic.twitter.com/BwXbbxnlYP
— Nanana365 (@nanana365media) July 10, 2026

Fans waved French flags from vehicles along the Champs-Élysées and celebrated with horns and street gatherings as France secured a place in the FIFA World Cup 2026 semi-finals.

France became the first nation to qualify for the tournament's last four and will face either Belgium or Spain in the semi-finals.

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