Watch: France's World Cup win sparks chaos in London, police officer injured
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Celebrations after France's 2-0 win over Morocco in the 2026 FIFA World Cup quarterfinals turned chaotic in parts of London on Thursday night, leading to clashes with police and several arrests.
According to The Sun, large crowds gathered on Edgware Road soon after the match ended. Many people spilt onto the busy street, blocking traffic and setting off celebrations. However, the situation quickly became tense.
Videos shared online showed smoke in the air, debris scattered across the road, and Metropolitan Police officers moving in to control the crowd. Witnesses told The Sun that what started as celebrations later turned into confrontations. Many bystanders watched from behind police lines and recorded the incident on their phones.
Fox News reported that dozens of Metropolitan Police officers wearing helmets, shields, and other public-order gear were deployed to the area. Riot police vans were also seen on the road as officers worked to restore order.
According to London Now, police formed lines on both sides of Edgware Road to stop the unrest from spreading. Officers slowly pushed the crowd back while keeping the area under control.
The disorder left one police officer injured. The Sun reported that the officer was allegedly attacked by a group and was treated by paramedics before being taken to hospital.
Later, the Metropolitan Police released a statement explaining that officers had first responded after people gathered in the road and blocked traffic. The situation escalated when some individuals allegedly threw bottles and set off fireworks.
Police said one officer suffered a head injury after reportedly being struck by a glass bottle. No other injuries were reported.
Authorities confirmed that four people were arrested on suspicion of violent disorder. The crowd was eventually dispersed, and the road reopened at around 1 a.m.
A Metropolitan Police spokesperson said, "We will not tolerate such disorder on our streets, or attacks on our officers."
Similar scenes were also reported in Paris after France's victory. Videos shared on social media showed clashes near Les Halles, where riot police in protective gear faced large crowds of supporters.