A Massachusetts city known for having one of the largest Cape Verdean populations in the United States has announced a temporary curfew ahead of Friday’s landmark World Cup showdown between Cape Verde and Argentina.
The order will apply in Brockton, located just south of Boston, beginning at 10 p.m. Friday and lasting until 5 a.m. Saturday.
Local officials said the move comes after recent World Cup celebrations escalated into unsafe and illegal activity.
“World Cup celebrations have resulted in incidents of reckless driving, illegal street gatherings, vandalism, assaults, fireworks violations, disorderly conduct, and other criminal activities,” the city said.
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A Cape Verde fan is seen during the 2026 FIFA World Cup Group H match between Uruguay and Cape Verde at Miami Stadium in Miami on June 21, 2026. (Craig Williamson/SNS Group)
Brockton has one of the country’s most prominent Cape Verdean communities. Nearly 25% of the city’s residents identify as Cape Verdean, according to the local outlet The Enterprise.
Friday’s match was expected to bring major public celebrations, with the 2026 tournament marking Cape Verde’s first-ever appearance in the FIFA World Cup.
Following previous World Cup matches, Brockton police said several people were injured in shootings that erupted during postgame celebrations, according to local outlet Boston 25 News — prompting city officials to impose the temporary curfew ahead of Friday’s matchup.
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A mural on the side of the Mayor Bill Carpenter Garage in Brockton, MA, on Oct. 8, 2020. (Lane Turner/The Boston Globe via Getty Images)
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Under the curfew order, no one will be permitted to enter establishments serving alcohol after 7 p.m.
Patrons already inside will be allowed to remain until 10 p.m., but “last calls” for alcoholic beverages must end by 9:30 p.m.
The city said only limited exceptions to the curfew will be permitted.
Such cases include law enforcement officers and other first responders, individuals traveling directly to or from lawful employment, those seeking medical care, and those responding to emergencies.
Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha celebrates at the end of the World Cup Group H match against Uruguay in Miami Gardens, Fla., on June 21, 2026. (Lynne Sladky/AP)
Brockton officials described the measure as a public safety measure intended to preserve public order.
“The purpose of this curfew is to protect public safety, reduce criminal activity associated with post-match celebrations, and enable police, fire, and emergency personnel to effectively maintain order and respond to emergencies,” the city said.
“Residents and visitors are urged to celebrate responsibly, obey all laws, avoid unlawful gatherings, and cooperate with public safety officials to ensure that all World Cup celebrations remain peaceful and safe.”
