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

La Liga President tells Infantino to resign, accuses FIFA of damaging football

La Liga president Javier Tebas has called on FIFA president Gianni Infantino to step down, accusing football’s world governing body of prioritising commercial interests over the long-term growth of the sport and implementing policies that are damaging domestic football competitions across the globe.

In a strongly worded interview with Italian newspaper La Gazzetta dello Sport, Tebas said he believes Infantino’s tenure as FIFA president should come to an end, arguing that the organisation’s recent decisions have placed increasing pressure on clubs, players and national leagues.

Asked directly whether Infantino should resign, Tebas replied: “In my opinion, yes. I think his time is up.”

Despite his criticism, the Spanish football executive acknowledged that Infantino remains firmly in control of FIFA because of the strong backing he enjoys from the organisation’s member associations.

According to Tebas, FIFA’s electoral system makes it almost impossible for a challenger to emerge.

“There is no opposition candidate because nobody wants to stand simply to lose,” he said, describing the governing body’s election process as “rotten at its core.”

Tebas, who travelled to the United States to watch Spain win the 2026 FIFA World Cup, claimed dissatisfaction with Infantino’s leadership is widespread within international football, although many administrators prefer to express their concerns privately rather than publicly.

“I’ve spoken to many people here who disagree with what Infantino is doing. They say it privately but remain silent publicly. I don’t know which is worse—the silence or the complicity—because those who remain silent understand the damage football is suffering,” he said.

The La Liga president also revisited the controversy surrounding United States striker Folarin Balogun, whose suspension during the 2026 FIFA World Cup was lifted following intervention by US President Donald Trump.

According to Tebas, the decision raised serious questions about FIFA’s governance and could have severely damaged Infantino’s leadership had the United States progressed further in the tournament.

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“The suspension of the American player’s ban was extremely serious. They were fortunate Belgium eliminated the United States because otherwise it might have become a case capable of costing Infantino his position. Since Belgium won, the issue disappeared, but it is only the tip of the iceberg,” he said.

Tebas also criticised discussions about expanding future FIFA World Cups to 64 teams, warning that such a move would further congest the football calendar and weaken domestic leagues.

He argued that national competitions remain the foundation of the global football economy and should not be sacrificed in favour of increasingly larger international tournaments.

“Not everything can revolve around the World Cup. Expanding the number of participating countries makes no sense. The football industry is much bigger than one tournament. Domestic competitions generate employment, develop talent and sustain football throughout the year,” he said.

He added that football needs fewer international fixtures and stronger protection for domestic competitions to preserve the sport’s long-term sustainability.

The La Liga chief also criticised FIFA’s decision to introduce mandatory hydration breaks during every match at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, arguing that the policy was applied even in climate-controlled stadiums where weather conditions did not justify such interruptions.

According to him, the breaks appeared to create additional commercial advertising opportunities rather than genuinely serving player welfare.

“Hydration breaks are a lie. In La Liga we only introduce them when temperatures genuinely require it. At several World Cup stadiums, I even needed a jacket because of the air conditioning. Those breaks became advertising opportunities,” he said.

He further criticised FIFA’s decision to extend halftime during the 2026 FIFA World Cup final to accommodate a star-studded entertainment show, arguing that commercial interests increasingly outweigh football traditions.

Tebas maintained that FIFA now makes major decisions without adequately consulting domestic leagues and other football stakeholders, creating growing tension between the governing body and national competitions.

His latest comments add to ongoing debates over football governance, fixture congestion, tournament expansion and the balance between international competitions and domestic leagues.

Several European football leagues have repeatedly expressed concern that FIFA’s expanding calendar places excessive physical demands on players while reducing the importance of domestic football competitions.

Although Tebas believes Infantino should resign, he admitted the FIFA president remains the overwhelming favourite to secure another term in office because of the continued support he enjoys from national football federations.

The remarks are expected to intensify discussions about the future of global football governance, FIFA’s leadership and the growing calls for reforms aimed at balancing commercial growth with the long-term interests of clubs, players and domestic leagues.

La Liga President tells Infantino to resign, accuses FIFA of damaging football

Teenager dies, several injured as Spain World Cup celebration ends in tragedy

What began as jubilant celebrations of Spain’s 2026 FIFA World Cup victory ended in heartbreak after a 13-year-old boy was killed and several others were injured when a public fountain collapsed in the western Spanish town of Ciudad Rodrigo.

The tragic incident occurred shortly after 12:30 a.m. local time on Monday as hundreds of football supporters gathered around the Árbol Gordo fountain to celebrate Spain’s 1-0 extra-time victory over Argentina in the World Cup final.

According to emergency services, multiple distress calls were received after part of the fountain gave way while numerous fans had climbed onto the structure during the celebrations. The collapse sent people tumbling to the ground and triggered panic among the crowd.

The 13-year-old victim was rescued from the rubble and rushed to a nearby medical facility but later died from injuries sustained in the accident. Several other people were also injured, with local authorities confirming that some victims required hospital treatment.

In a statement, the Ciudad Rodrigo City Council expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy and extended its condolences to the family of the deceased teenager.

“What should have been a celebration of Spain’s team in the football World Cup turned into tragedy,” the municipality said.

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The local authority also declared three days of official mourning, with flags to be flown at half-mast in memory of the young victim.

Authorities have launched an investigation into the collapse to determine its exact cause. Preliminary findings indicate that the historic fountain may have failed under the weight of the large number of supporters who climbed onto it during the spontaneous celebrations. Officials said they are also examining the structural condition of the monument and the circumstances that led to the accident.

The tragedy unfolded just hours after Spain secured its second FIFA World Cup title and its first since 2010, defeating Argentina 1-0 after extra time in the final played at MetLife Stadium in the United States. Ferran Torres scored the decisive goal in extra time to hand Spain another historic triumph on football’s biggest stage.

The victory sparked massive celebrations across the country, with thousands of supporters filling streets, city squares and public landmarks in Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, Seville and several other cities. Fans waved Spanish flags, sang victory songs and celebrated late into the night as the national team ended a 16-year wait to reclaim the World Cup trophy.

However, the fatal accident in Ciudad Rodrigo cast a shadow over the nationwide festivities and renewed concerns about public safety during large sporting celebrations. Authorities have urged football supporters to celebrate responsibly and avoid climbing fountains, monuments and other public structures that are not designed to support large crowds.

The incident has also reignited discussions about crowd management and emergency planning during major public events, with safety experts calling for stricter enforcement of public safety measures to prevent similar tragedies in the future.

As investigations continue, tributes have poured in for the young victim, while Spain’s World Cup celebrations have been tempered by grief in Ciudad Rodrigo, where residents are mourning the loss of a life during what should have been a moment of national joy.

Teenager dies, several injured as Spain World Cup celebration ends in tragedy