On July 4,(CEST), FIFA World Cup newcomers Cape Verde are set to face reigning FIFA World Cup champions Argentina.

According to US media reports, Brockton, a city in Massachusetts, will impose a curfew on Friday evening. The city has one of the largest Cape Verdean communities in the US, and the curfew is a response to potential security risks surrounding the upcoming FIFA World Cup match.

Local police stated that recent celebrations following multiple matches have seen violent incidents, including shootings and stabbings, prompting the city to request support from the State National Guard.

At a press conference on Wednesday, Brockton Mayor Moises Rodrigues announced that a "temporary safety curfew" would be implemented in parts of the city.

As FIFA World Cup newcomers, Cape Verde will face Argentina in the knockout stage this Friday, and this historic match has drawn widespread attention from the local community.

Rodrigues said: "The purpose of the curfew is to ensure public safety, reduce crime associated with post-match celebrations, and allow police, fire, and emergency personnel to maintain order effectively and respond to emergencies in a timely manner."

According to the regulations, the curfew will run from 10 PM on Friday night to 5 AM on Saturday morning and will apply to certain areas of Brockton. Previously, large crowds gathered in downtown streets after Cape Verde matches, waving flags and dancing in celebration, often continuing late into the night.

In addition, the regulations require that entry to establishments serving alcoholic beverages be prohibited after 7 PM, with last orders at 9:30 PM.

Brockton is considered home to one of the largest Cape Verdean communities in the United States, with approximately one-fifth of its residents having Cape Verdean ancestry, leading the city to often be referred to as Cape Verde's "11th island."

During Cape Verde's historic FIFA World Cup journey, the local diaspora community has followed closely, with large-scale celebrations taking place in the streets of Brockton after every match. The city government has repeatedly emphasized that most of these celebrations have been peaceful overall.

However, police noted that violent incidents have also occurred following recent celebrations. According to Brockton police statistics, at least 9 people were injured in shootings after FIFA World Cup-related celebrations or gatherings, while several others were injured in knife attacks.

Police recently released surveillance screenshots and videos from multiple cases, including a shooting near Main Street during a crowd gathering on June 21 and another shooting near a gas station that same night, and appealed to the public for help identifying the suspects.

Furthermore, police stated that they have linked suspects from another case to a shooting that occurred after a FIFA World Cup match.

Officials stated that the curfew will exempt emergency personnel, commuters, and those seeking medical attention, while also protecting First Amendment-related activities, including news reporting.

Brockton Police Chief Brenda Perez stated that, due to insufficient staffing, previous celebrations relied on support from Massachusetts State Police, the Plymouth County Sheriff's Office, and police departments from surrounding cities. She noted that over 200 officers were deployed during the most recent FIFA World Cup-related gathering but did not disclose specific security deployment plans for Friday.

Steve Hooke, Director of Brockton Emergency Management, confirmed that the city government has requested National Guard assistance, but did not disclose whether approval has been granted or provide details about the deployment.

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