03.07.2026 22:20
At the 2026 FIFA World Cup, fans of the participating teams have been displaying support for Palestine in nearly every match through slogans, flags, and chants, while also expressing their opposition to Israel.
In the 23rd edition of the FIFA 2026 World Cup, hosted by the USA, Canada, and Mexico, fans are protesting Israel and showing support for Palestine.
REACTION TO ISRAEL, SUPPORT FOR PALESTINE
Israel's impunity on international platforms for war crimes committed against civilians and residential areas since October 7, 2023, continues to be a topic of debate.
The latest example of this debate is FIFA's failure to ban Israel from international sports organizations. Ahead of the 2026 World Cup, independent sports and civil society representatives are taking actions during the World Cup to demand that FIFA penalize or sanction Israel.
Although the Israeli national team has not achieved the success needed to participate in the 2026 World Cup, Israeli fans attending various matches to follow the tournament face reactions everywhere from citizens of other countries who support Palestine.
"EXPEL ISRAEL FROM FIFA"
In Toronto, Canada, one of the World Cup venues, a group of activists unfurled a banner reading "Expel Israel from FIFA" on one of the city's busiest main roads on June 12.
In another incident, an Israeli fan tried to display the Israeli flag during the Iran-New Zealand match on June 16, but this attempt was not allowed and faced backlash from other fans.
"THERE IS A GENOCIDE"
On June 27, in Miami, Florida, USA, a Scottish fan told cameras, "I was a nurse in Gaza. I saw what is happening. There is a genocide," expressing his protest.
Before many matches of the tournament, fans from countries such as Bosnia, Egypt, and Iran gathered in front of stadiums and crowded squares, chanting pro-Palestine slogans. Palestinian flags were unfurled in the stadiums.
In the latest incident, during the World Cup round of 32 match between host USA and Bosnia and Herzegovina, which Bosnia lost 2-0, pro-Palestine chants were heard, and Bosnian fans again unfurled Palestinian flags, clearly continuing their support for Palestine despite the defeat.