Soccer fans clash with police in The Hague after Morocco stuns the Netherlands at the World Cup

THE HAGUE, Netherlands (AP) — Soccer fans clashed with police in The Hague and celebrated in Casablanca after Morocco sent the Netherlands to its earliest World Cup exit, eliminating the Dutch on penalties on Monday night.

The Netherlands has a sizable Moroccan community and fans of the Morocco soccer team were in a festive mood after the win, though sporadic clashes also erupted.

Police in The Hague said “heavy fireworks were set off” in the Schilderswijk district, and that police officers were pelted with fireworks and stones. Riot squads charged the crowd and used a water cannon to break up the gathering.

“A few individuals have been arrested for committing open violence,” police said.

As the penalty shootout reached its climax, the tense silence inside a coffee shop popular with fans in Casablanca, Morocco's largest city, gave way to a deafening roar when Ismael Saibari buried the decisive spot kick, sending his team into the Round of 16.

The celebrations soon poured into the streets, with flares and fireworks cracking overhead, horns blaring and engines revving as fans celebrated deep into the night.

Despite the late kickoff and the workday ahead, dozens of jubilant fans gathered on a main boulevard in Casablanca around 5 a.m. local time, dancing in the streets, waving Moroccan flags and chanting, “Canada, we’re coming for you."

Morocco moved on to face co-host Canada in the next round on Saturday. The Atlas Lions previously beat Canada 2-1 in the group stage of the 2022 World Cup.

Expectations are soaring in Morocco as supporters dream of another historic run like four years ago, when the country became the first African team to reach the World Cup semifinals.

Akram Oubachir in Casablanca, Morocco, contributed to this report.

See more of AP’s World Cup coverage here

Police arrest a Moroccan fan after a World Cup soccer match between the Netherlands and Morocco in The Hague, Netherlands, Tuesday, June30, 2026. (AP Photo/Mouneb Taim)

Police chases a Moroccan fan after a World Cup soccer match between the Netherlands and Morocco in The Hague, Netherlands, Tuesday, June30, 2026. (AP Photo/Mouneb Taim)

Police arrest a Moroccan fan after a World Cup soccer match between the Netherlands and Morocco in The Hague, Netherlands, Tuesday, June30, 2026. (AP Photo/Mouneb Taim)

Police arrest a Moroccan fan after a World Cup soccer match between the Netherlands and Morocco in The Hague, Netherlands, Tuesday, June30, 2026. (AP Photo/Mouneb Taim)

GUADALUPE, Mexico (AP) — After scoring in the 72nd minute, Cody Gakpo immediately sank to his knees.

As his teammates immediately rushed toward him in celebration, the 27-year-old forward covered his face while weeping, later pointing to the sky and appearing to pray.

While this marked Gakpo’s third goal of the World Cup, this goal in the Round of 32 loss to Morocco on Monday was especially emotional for him.

On Saturday, Gakpo and his partner, model Noa van der Bij, announced the death of their unborn child.

Despite the grief, Gakpo was determined to continue on in the tournament.

“I think he dealt with it very well,” Netherlands head coach Ronald Koeman had said before the game. “There was never a moment where he said he wanted to leave the squad and go home. That says a lot about his maturity and the way in which he can deal with this."

And just as Gakpo has been a key contributor for the Oranje, his teammates have been there to support him and his family during this difficult time.

“The most important thing is to ask, ‘What do you need?’” Netherlands captain Virgil van Dijk said. “It’s awful news, and reminds us that football is secondary and there are much more important things in life.”

In the 113th minute, Gakpo was substituted off for Justin Kluivert.

As he walked off the pitch, the Netherlands fans in a section behind the goal immediately rose for a standing ovation. As Gakpo rounded the corner toward the bench, the applause only grew louder — a show of appreciation for someone who showed up for his team while dealing with tragedy.

See more of AP’s World Cup coverage here

Netherlands' Cody Gakpo (11) and Morocco's Noussair Mazraoui (3) embrace during the World Cup round of 32 soccer match between the Netherlands and Morocco in Guadalupe, near Monterrey, Mexico, Monday, June 29, 2026. (AP Photo/Dolores Ochoa)

Netherlands' Cody Gakpo (11) celebrates with Denzel Dumfries (22) and Frenkie de Jong (21) after scoring their first goal during the World Cup round of 32 soccer match between the Netherlands and Morocco in Guadalupe, near Monterrey, Mexico, Monday, June 29, 2026. (AP Photo/Moises Castillo)

Netherlands' Cody Gakpo, kneeling, is congratulated by teammates after scoring his team's first goal during the World Cup round of 32 soccer match between the Netherlands and Morocco in Guadalupe, near Monterrey, Mexico, Monday, June 29, 2026. (AP Photo/Ricardo Mazalan)