Disorder in London after French victory

Police confronted supporters in central London early Friday following France's quarter-final win against Morocco. According to AFP:

London police reported one officer injured and four arrests after the violent incident.

Social media images depicted crowds on Edgware Road near Hyde Park, with some hurling bottles and items toward officers. Trouble began when the group obstructed traffic.

A spokesman noted: The situation worsened as bottles flew and fireworks ignited. One officer received hospital treatment for head injuries from a glass bottle.

Key events

1h agoMbappe expected to recover for semi-final
1h agoDisorder in London after French win
1h agoPreamble

Further details on the London incident where an officer sustained injury and arrests occurred after France defeated Morocco. (Per PA Media)

Social media videos show flares launched and objects hurled at police in a London street. Metropolitan police confirmed four arrests for violent disorder and one officer hospitalized with a head wound from a glass bottle.

The force stated: Officers responded to a gathering that blocked the road. The group then threw bottles and set off fireworks, prompting more officers. One received hospital care for head injuries believed caused by a glass bottle.

No further injuries occurred. Officers stayed on site, made four arrests, and the crowd dispersed with the road reopening around 1am. Such disorder and attacks on officers will not be tolerated. Police presence continues overnight while CCTV and online videos are reviewed for accountability.

Councillor Paul Swaddle of Westminster city council expressed deep concern over the crowd scenes on Edgware Road after the World Cup match. He called attacks on officers unacceptable and urged fans to show respect during the event.

The UK Football Policing Unit noted 223 incidents tied to the England-Mexico game early Monday across England and Wales, including six hate crimes, 32 domestic abuse cases, and 42 arrests linked to England's win, with extended pub hours allowed.

Rudi Garcia stated Belgium gained millions of new fans after Donald Trump urged Fifa to reverse Folarin Balogun's red card before their win over the US. This may apply mainly to that match. Sid Lowe shares further comments from the Belgian manager on team atmosphere.

Who might halt France? Spain stands out as a candidate. Ahead of their quarter-final versus Belgium, Sid Lowe examines Spain's strong defense that has yet to concede in the tournament. Their ability to contain France in a potential semi remains uncertain, while Belgium aims to disrupt the likely matchup.

Raphael Jucobin discusses the playing style shift in France's 2026 side compared to 2022.

In one tournament cycle, Didier Deschamps adopted a more fluid attacking approach. A combination from Kylian Mbappe and Ousmane Dembele propelled the team to the semi-final, confirming the 57-year-old's tactical adjustments.

Comments from managers Didier Deschamps and Mohamed Ouahbi following France's win. The Morocco coach offered significant praise.

Mbappe expected to recover for semi-final

Kylian Mbappe: After netting the first goal against Morocco and contributing to the second, concern arose when he exited with 13 minutes left.

The forward reported ankle discomfort and used an ice pack initially. However, post-match he jogged out and celebrated with fans, removing doubts for the semi-final.

Disorder in London after French win

Police confronted supporters in central London early Friday following France's quarter-final win against Morocco. According to AFP:

London police reported one officer injured and four arrests after the violent incident.

Social media images depicted crowds on Edgware Road near Hyde Park, with some hurling bottles and items toward officers. Trouble began when the group obstructed traffic.

A spokesman noted: The situation worsened as bottles flew and fireworks ignited. One officer received hospital treatment for head injuries from a glass bottle.

Jonathan Wilson

Jonathan Wilson's match report from Boston leads off.

What can a defense achieve? France may have peaked early and could struggle to maintain this level. Yet if they sustain it, stopping their third World Cup title in 28 years would require something extraordinary.

Preamble

Good morning, afternoon or evening. France has advanced as the first semi-finalist, as expected under Didier Deschamps. Their quarter-final against Morocco proved straightforward with a 2-0 result, positioning the favorites strongly.

France awaits the winner of Spain versus Belgium today, while the other bracket features England against Norway and Argentina versus Switzerland this weekend. Previews and additional World Cup coverage follow here.