Public unrest erupted late Thursday night in parts of London after Morocco was eliminated from the 2026 FIFA World Cup by France in a 2-0 quarterfinal match. Ousmane Dembélé scored in the second half to secure France's victory, marking Morocco's exit for the second consecutive tournament at the quarterfinal stage.

Despite fears that Paris might experience riots similar to those after Paris Saint-Germain's UEFA Champions League win over Arsenal in May, the disorder instead unfolded in London. Videos and images from Edgware Road showed riot police equipped with shields and body armor clashing with large crowds amid smoke and debris. Some individuals threw fireworks and debris as police attempted to contain the unrest.

Morocco made history by becoming the first African nation to reach more than one World Cup quarterfinal, having also reached the quarterfinals and semifinals in 2022. Similar disturbances had occurred previously after Egypt's World Cup exit following a controversial match against Argentina.

Additionally, a police vehicle was seen blocking the road near the Edgware United Synagogue during a separate demonstration by pro-Palestinian groups in London earlier in June.

Sources