20.07.2026 10:51
The 2026 FIFA World Cup final, where Spain defeated Argentina 1-0 to become champions, caused great joy in Gaza. Gazans who watched the match in cafes and squares due to internet and electricity outages supported Spain, which openly supported Palestine, while the Israeli administration supported Argentina.
Palestinians joyfully celebrated Spain's victory in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final, where they defeated Argentina 1-0 to claim the championship. Due to electricity and internet outages, many Palestinians who could not watch the match at home gathered around screens set up in cafes, streets, and squares to follow the final.
GAZANS GATHERED FOR SPAIN
As the final whistle blew, Gazans celebrated Spain's championship with applause and cheers, eagerly following the final match between the two countries. Speaking to an AA reporter, Numan Abdullah highlighted Spain's long-standing support for the Palestinian people, stating that this was why they stood behind Spain and came together during the final.
WORLD CUP PROVIDED MORAL BOOST
Abdullah, noting that the Palestinian people are a peace-seeking society, said the message they wanted to convey was "peace, solidarity, and unity with the peoples who support them." Hani Abu Zerk also expressed that despite Israel's ongoing attacks, destruction, and harsh living conditions, the World Cup final briefly boosted the morale of Gazans.
SUPPORT AMID STRUGGLE FOR SURVIVAL
Abu Zerk stated that they stand with countries and individuals who support Gaza and Palestine; he noted that the support of Spanish footballer Lamine Yamal for Palestine was appreciated by Gazans, which is why many supported Yamal and Spain in the final. Mahmoud Diyab, among the viewers, described how Gazans, struggling to survive in tents without electricity and internet, gathered in cafes and public spaces to watch the World Cup matches.
"PALESTINE IS THE COMMON CAUSE OF ALL FREE PEOPLE"
Calling on the international community to maintain solidarity with the Palestinian people, Diyab stated that the Palestinian issue is the common cause of all free people and urged increased support for the Palestinian people. Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and some Israeli ministers had supported Argentina in the final match against Spain, which had criticized Israel's attacks on Gaza.
ISRAEL SUPPORTED ARGENTINA
According to a statement from the Israeli Prime Minister's Office, Argentina's Ambassador to Israel, Shimon Axel Wahnish, played a voice message from Argentine President Javier Milei to Netanyahu. In the message, Milei said, "You are my friend, you always support us. I was happy to hear that you support Argentina for me." Netanyahu responded to this message with the words, "Javier, you are a true friend. We support you and are behind Argentina tomorrow. Good luck."