France urges calm among fans during World Cup game against Morocco

France is appealing to its football fans to exercise responsibility as the national team prepares to face African champions Morocco in a World Cup quarter-final match on Thursday. This call for calm follows incidents of unrest that occurred after previous high-profile games.

Security forces are on alert for the match, scheduled to take place at Boston Stadium in Foxborough on July 9, 2026. The game is particularly sensitive given the historical and cultural ties between France and Morocco. Morocco gained independence from France in 1956 and maintains a significant relationship with the former colonial power, which is home to a large population of Moroccans and French citizens of Moroccan descent.

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I appeal to everyone’s sense of responsibility. It has to remain a celebration.

Several members of Morocco's national team were born in France and currently play for French clubs, including team captain Achraf Hakimi, who plays for Paris Saint-Germain. Despite the close ties, celebrations following France's victory over Morocco in the 2022 World Cup semi-final were largely peaceful.

However, authorities are taking precautions. Sports Minister Marina Ferrari urged "everyone's sense of responsibility," emphasizing that the event "has to remain a celebration." Interior Minister Laurent Nunez has stated that "no misconduct would be tolerated." These measures come in the wake of over 280 arrests made in Paris following unrest and damage that occurred after Paris Saint-Germain's victory against Arsenal in the Champions League final on May 30.

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no misconduct would be tolerated