Thousands of Morocco fans descended on the streets of Doha to celebrate their country becoming the first Arab nation to reach the World Cup quarter-finals on Tuesday.

Despite some minor trouble outside the stadium, the victory over Spain became a celebration of "Arab pride" for supporters from across the region.

Walid Regragui's side won 3-0 in a penalty shootout after the match finished goalless following extra-time.

So many people packed Doha's central Souq Waqif market -- a traditional gathering point for World Cup fans -- that police sealed it off just before midnight, with thousands waiting in groups at different entrances.

Copying the celebration of Moroccan players inside Doha's Education City Stadium, many fans waved Palestinian flags, stepping up a political show of solidarity that has marked this World Cup.

"This is the first World Cup on Arab territory and we are carrying the Arab flag in this tournament," said Yussuf Akram, who waved Moroccan and Palestinian emblems in the crowded Souq alleys.

Saudis, Qataris and Egyptians joined the celebrations, waving their countries' flags in the traditional market as police gathered around the edge.

"This is a matter of pride, we are all happy for Morocco," said Aysha Bedawi, who came from Cairo to watch World Cup matches.

"It does not matter which team reached this stage, as long as there is one Arab team there we still have hope."

Arab teams have previously reached the last 16 at a World Cup three times -- Morocco (1986), Saudi Arabia (1994) and Algeria (2014).

The prospect of playing Portugal in a quarter-final did not worry supporters who chanted "bring on Ronaldo" outside a TV studio set up in the Souq.

"If Morocco can beat Spain, who have been world champions, then they can handle Cristiano Ronaldo," said Mohamed Benyoub, a Moroccan living in Qatar.

"I cried when the game finished, I never thought I would see something like this."

Organisers said police had to move in to stop "unticketed fans" beating down a stadium boundary fence to gain entry. No injuries were reported.

Morocco players celebrate with Palestinian flag

Morocco's players unfurled a Palestinian flag during their on-pitch celebrations after the team's stunning World Cup upset victory against Spain on Tuesday.

The Palestinian flag -- which has been fluttering widely across Qatar during the finals -- was seen being held aloft by Moroccan players following the dramatic penalty shoot-out win over the Spaniards.

FIFA regulations prohibit the display of banners, flags and fliers that are deemed to be "political, offensive and/or discriminatory nature." In the past, football's governing bodies have issued fines for displays of the Palestinian flag inside stadia.

Morocco's players also displayed the Palestinian flag after the team's win against Canada during the group stage last week.

World Cup host Qatar has no relations with Israel and remains a supporter of the decades-long Palestinian cause for statehood.

Israel has occupied the Palestinian territories of east Jerusalem and the West Bank since the 1967 Six-Day War fought with Arab nations.

About 250,000 Palestinians live in Qatar which has a population of around 2.9 million, most of them foreigners.