Morocco World Cup Loss Sparks Anti-Semitic Riots and Violence in The Hague

Following Morocco's 2-0 defeat to France and elimination from the 2026 World Cup, violent clashes erupted between Moroccan fans and police in several Dutch cities, notably The Hague. The unrest quickly escalated from sports frustration to widespread violence and hate speech. Large groups of youths on scooters and in cars roamed the streets, honking and causing destruction, forcing police to respond with significant force amid glass bottle attacks.

The riots were marked by openly anti-Semitic chants, including slogans such as "All Jews are homosexuals," "Hamas, Hamas, Jews to the gas," and other hateful slurs labeling Jews as "cancer." Support for the terrorist group Hamas was also vocally expressed. Social media circulated videos claiming that rioters gathered outside hotels housing Israeli tourists to threaten them; however, investigations revealed these locations were local clinics and residential buildings, not hotels.

Local community volunteers initially attempted to calm tensions and disperse crowds but were unsuccessful. Order was restored only after a large police presence conducted targeted raids and arrested several rioters. The disturbances subsided within an hour after the match ended but left significant damage and deep concern. The Dutch news site DDS described the events as a "horrific, frightening, and nauseating low point in the country's history."