Bay Ridge fans align with Spain in World Cup final over Palestine stance
As Spain prepares to face Argentina in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final, supporters in Brooklyn’s Bay Ridge neighbourhood are drawing a direct line between football and foreign policy, with many backing the Spanish team for its government’s stance on the Middle East.
In New York’s Bay Ridge neighbourhood, widely recognised as ‘Little Palestine’, the 2026 FIFA World Cup final has evolved into a reflection of broader geopolitical alignments. As Spain prepares to contest the title against Argentina, community members, including local business owners and activists, have largely directed their support towards the Spanish national team. This preference is attributed to Madrid’s 2024 recognition of the State of Palestine and its vocal criticism of Israel’s military operations in Gaza.
Zein Rimawi, chair of the Arab American Federation, stated that football cannot be separated from politics. Sitting in his office with a Palestinian flag displayed behind him, the 72-year-old activist said he supports countries that align with Palestinian causes. He noted that Spain’s diplomatic position makes it a natural choice for many in the community, arguing that the tournament has served as a political summit as much as a sporting event.
Local establishments have embraced the tournament as a gathering point for the diverse Arab American population. Talal Abdraboh of Al Reef Bakery highlighted Spain’s historical presence in Andalusia and its current political stance as reasons for the team’s endearment to Arab fans. He stated that while the community supports Spain, their primary focus remains on the eight Arab teams participating in the tournament, with Moroccan and Egyptian supporters rallying behind their respective nations.
Mahmoud Kasem, owner of Al-Aqsa Bakery, hosted free screenings and distributed falafel to celebrate the participation of Arab teams. He praised the Spanish government for taking stances on conflicts in Palestine and Lebanon, describing the team as standing with humanity. Kasem also pointed to Spanish club Athletic Club, which officially called for an end to the genocide in Gaza, as evidence of broader solidarity within Spanish football.
While the majority of voices in Bay Ridge favour Spain, some fans continue to support Argentina. Karim Bouzeraa, a local barber, cited the legacy of Lionel Messi and the lack of an official government position from the Argentine team as reasons for his allegiance. He argued that Israeli flags spotted during Argentina’s matches do not represent Argentinian football, noting that the team and players have not taken a stance on the conflict. This contrasts with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who has expressed support for Argentina.
The tournament has also highlighted the complexities of Arab representation in global football. Egypt’s elimination was described as controversial, involving a disallowed goal after a VAR review. Meanwhile, Spain advanced to the final by defeating France, extending their winning streak against the French side in major tournaments. The event has underscored the community’s desire for unity, with residents hoping for increased participation of Arab teams in future competitions.
