Spain clinched the 2026 FIFA World Cup title by beating Argentina 1-0 after extra time in the final held on July 19, 2026 [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]. The victory sparked widespread celebrations among Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank, who gathered around screens and held street festivities despite the ongoing conflict [1, 2, 6, 7, 4, 5].
Many Palestinians viewed Spain’s win as a symbol of solidarity because the Spanish government officially recognized the State of Palestine in March 2024 and has condemned Israel’s war on Gaza, describing it as genocide [1, 3, 8]. "We came together to support Spain because it has stood by the Palestinian people for years. We are a people who seek peace," said Numan Abdullah, a Gaza resident [4].
Conditions during the World Cup were difficult in Palestinian territories, with power cuts, fuel shortages, and homes damaged by Israeli attacks [1, 2, 3, 5]. Despite this, football matches were organized locally, including exhibition games themed around the World Cup featuring Palestinian players [3].
Lamine Yamal, a 19-year-old Spanish football star, attracted attention for his public display of support for Palestine by waving the Palestinian flag during Barcelona’s La Liga celebrations in May 2026 [1, 2, 3, 8]. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez defended Yamal against Israeli criticism, saying, "Lamine has only expressed the solidarity with Palestine that is felt by millions of us in Spain. Another reason to be proud of him" [2, 8].
The contrasting political backing during the World Cup was evident as Israel and some Argentine politicians, including Argentine President Javier Milei, supported the Argentina team [1, 2, 9, 10, 11, 12]. Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu also publicly backed Argentina, while Spain maintained a critical stance toward Israel [1, 2]. Iranian officials praised Spain's victory and linked it to joy among critics of US and Israeli policies. Iran's top negotiator Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf said the win showed "freedom and assertiveness" of the Spanish people in defending Palestine [9, 10, 11, 12].
Palestinian leaders also acknowledged Spain’s triumph. President Mahmoud Abbas congratulated Spain, calling the win a major global sporting achievement, while Hamas officials linked the victory to shared joy among Palestinians and their supporters [5].
In Gaza, makeshift cafes charged 10 shekels (S$4.30) to watch the final. Haitham Zidan, a cafe owner, said, "After Morocco and Egypt were eliminated, people left disappointed. But tonight I watched young men leave smiling, clapping and waving Spanish flags. For at least two hours, they forgot the war" [1].
Palestinians are expected to continue holding local events celebrating Spain’s World Cup victory amid ongoing hardships in the region [3].
