Gaza celebrates Spain’s World Cup victory as Palestinians hail La Roja in emotional scenes

Gaza celebrates Spain’s World Cup victory as Palestinians hail La Roja in emotional scenes

The 2026 FIFA World Cup final became more than a football match for many people in Gaza, as residents celebrated Spain’s World Cup victory with jubilation, describing the triumph as a moment of hope and solidarity amid the ongoing humanitarian crisis.

Spain defeated Argentina 1-0 in the World Cup final to lift the trophy for the second time in the country’s history. As the final whistle sounded, celebrations broke out across parts of Gaza, where football fans gathered in cafés, outdoor viewing centres and temporary shelters to watch the match despite the challenges posed by the conflict.

Many supporters waved Spanish flags, chanted in celebration and praised Spain’s players, particularly teenage sensation Lamine Yamal, whose previous display of a Palestinian flag during Barcelona’s La Liga title celebrations earned him admiration among many Palestinians.

For numerous fans in Gaza, support for Spain extended beyond football. Many said the Spanish government’s consistent calls for a ceasefire, increased humanitarian assistance and support for Palestinian rights influenced their decision to back La Roja during the tournament.

The Gaza al-Irada amputee football team also publicly declared its support for Spain before the final, releasing a video message that read: “Whoever raises the Palestinian flag deserves to raise the World Cup.” The message gained widespread attention on social media ahead of the championship match.

Saadi al-Masri, captain of the Gaza al-Irada amputee football team, watched the final with friends at a crowded café.

“I support Spain because we see it as a country that stands with the Palestinian cause and supports Palestinian rights,” he said after the match.

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Spain has emerged as one of Europe’s strongest voices calling for stronger international action over the humanitarian situation in Gaza. The Spanish government has repeatedly urged greater humanitarian access, supported international ceasefire efforts and advocated tougher European Union measures in response to alleged human rights violations during the conflict.

Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has also defended Lamine Yamal after the Barcelona winger came under criticism for displaying a Palestinian flag during his club’s title celebrations. Sánchez said the young footballer’s gesture reflected the solidarity many people in Spain feel towards Palestinians.

On the other side, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu publicly backed Argentina ahead of the World Cup final. Netanyahu, who maintains close diplomatic ties with Argentine President Javier Milei, wished the South American side success before the championship match, adding a political dimension to an already symbolic football contest.

Following Spain’s victory, the Permanent Observer Mission of Palestine to the United Nations congratulated the Spanish national team by sharing an image of the newly crowned champions on social media with the caption “World Champions.”

Watching the tournament, however, was far from easy for many residents in Gaza. Large sections of the territory continue to experience widespread destruction, electricity shortages and unreliable internet services. Many football fans relied on internet cafés, community viewing centres or short highlight clips shared on social media platforms to follow the tournament.

Twenty-three-year-old Arkan al-Walaida said she visited internet cafés every morning during the World Cup to watch highlights because stable internet access remained limited.

“Honestly, I felt like I was about to cry from happiness,” she said after Spain’s victory. “We see their support as a sign of humanity.”

Although celebrations spread through several neighbourhoods immediately after Spain secured the title, security concerns prevented prolonged festivities. Residents said fears of possible airstrikes meant many people returned home shortly after the final whistle instead of holding large street parties.

For many Palestinians, Spain’s World Cup triumph represented more than sporting excellence. It became a symbol of solidarity, recognition and hope, while also highlighting football’s unique ability to bring people together, even during one of the most challenging periods in Gaza’s recent history.

Gaza celebrates Spain’s World Cup victory as Palestinians hail La Roja in emotional scenes