Europe: Authorities likely to increase security in major cities Dec. 10 for high-profile FIFA World Cup match

Event

Authorities are likely to heighten security measures in some major Western European cities in response to the FIFA World Cup match between Morocco and Portugal Dec. 10. In the Belgian capital, Brussels, authorities have closed several metro stations since 17:00 to limit the ability of football fans to gather in central areas of the city, after Morocco supporters clashed with police there Nov. 27 over Morocco's defeat of Belgium. Additionally, riot police deployed heavily to central areas of France's capital, Paris, Dec. 6 for Morocco's match against Spain, amid concerns of unrest by Moroccan football supporters; France has a considerable population of people of Moroccan descent.

The heightened security measures are likely to persist into early Dec. 11 and will remain in place irrespective of the result of the match. Some localized ground transport delays are likely. Clashes are possible.

Advice

Plan for some travel delays and disruption in the immediate vicinity of any football-related gatherings. Follow local travel and security advice. In the event of violence, withdraw from the area.