Gaza fans back Spain in World Cup final over Palestinian solidarity
Amidst severe electricity shortages and stadium destruction, residents in the Gaza Strip are rallying behind Spain ahead of the 2026 World Cup final, citing the Spanish government’s recognition of Palestine and public support from sporting figures.
Football fans in the Gaza Strip have declared strong support for the Spanish national team ahead of the 2026 World Cup final against Argentina, a stance driven by political alignment with the Palestinian cause rather than sporting preference. Ahmed al-Bozm, a 33-year-old resident of Gaza City, stated he is “completely behind Spain” due to the Spanish government’s official recognition of the State of Palestine in May 2024 and the public solidarity shown by Spanish sporting figures.
The shift in support follows Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez’s announcement recognising Palestinian statehood, a move intended to support a two-state solution and address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. This diplomatic stance has been reinforced by high-profile gestures from Spanish athletes, including Barcelona player Lamine Yamal, who waved the Palestinian flag during La Liga victory parades in May, and former Manchester City coach Pep Guardiola.
Despite the global anticipation for the final scheduled for Sunday, 19 July 2026, at the New York-New Jersey Stadium, accessing the tournament in Gaza remains severely constrained. Adnan al-Afifi, a former footballer and stadium manager, reported that electricity availability is inconsistent and generators frequently shut down due to high fuel costs. “Ordinary Palestinians are paying the price,” al-Afifi said, noting that the ability to watch matches is largely dependent on sporadic power supply.
To maintain a sense of sporting life amidst the infrastructure damage, al-Afifi has organised simulated World Cup matches at the Palestine Sports Club in Gaza City, the only football club still operating and accessible in the Strip. These events, featuring referees and a symbolic video assistant referee system, have drawn participants seeking a respite from the war’s realities, with al-Afifi describing the atmosphere as one of “passion and positivity.”
Hatem al-Maghribi, head coach of Gaza’s amputee football team, Gaza al-Irada, expressed gratitude for the international solidarity, noting that players who have lost limbs feel appreciated by these gestures. While al-Maghribi acknowledged Argentina’s talent and referred to Lionel Messi, al-Bozm predicted a 3-1 victory for Spain after extra time. Al-Afifi stressed that support for Spain does not equate to hostility towards Argentina, despite criticism of Argentinian President Javier Milei’s comments, affirming respect for all national teams.
