Football, war and solidarity: Why Gaza fans turned to Spain this World Cup | World Cup 2026 News
Gaza City — In a bustling café in Gaza City, football enthusiasts gathered around a small screen to watch the World Cup match between Spain and Saudi Arabia on Sunday night. A wave of excitement swept through the crowd when 18-year-old Lamine Yamal scored the opening goal for Spain in the tenth minute. The European football team quickly added three more goals, securing a decisive victory and delighting the fans in the makeshift café.
Although Saudi Arabia maintains close ties with the Palestinian community, many in Gaza have long been passionate supporters of Spain’s national team. This enthusiasm is fueled not only by Spain’s on-field success but also by the country’s political and humanitarian stance amid ongoing conflict. Since the war escalated in October 2023, Spain has emerged as one of Europe’s staunchest advocates for Gaza, openly criticizing Israeli actions that have led to significant civilian casualties.
Mohammad Attallah, a 43-year-old lawyer from Gaza City, noted that his support for Spanish football deepened as Spain’s left-leaning Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez voiced strong backing for the Palestinian populace. He emphasized the connection between political support and sports fandom. “Spain’s stance during the war made people feel much closer to it,” Attallah said, highlighting the pride many locals feel toward Spain’s policies and gestures of solidarity.
Several aspects of Spain’s political support resonate strongly among Gazans. Attallah mentioned Yamal’s public display of solidarity with Palestinians and the recognition of the State of Palestine by Spain in 2024, alongside King Felipe VI’s calls for Israel to halt its military actions in Gaza.
While fans express their hopes for Spain’s success, they also acknowledge their respect for the Saudi team. Hani Abu Rizq, 32, reflected on the importance of football as a means to cope with the daily hardships that residents face in Gaza, emphasizing that political realities inevitably intertwine with the sport. “We want to show the world that the people of Gaza love life and love sports, despite all the destruction,” he said.
The excitement over football acts as a temporary escape for many. As they watch matches together, fans in Gaza find solace amid frequent outages of electricity and internet. Events like the World Cup serve as opportunities to remind the global community of their ongoing struggles. Abdullah Masoud pointed out that football provides a context for Palestinians to express their longing for normalcy and recognition.
While their situation remains dire, those in Gaza hold onto their passion for the game. Masoud noted that the visibility of Palestine during international tournaments, including the previous World Cup in Qatar, fosters a sense of connection and acknowledgment of their plight.
Palestinians continue to choose their allegiances in the current World Cup based largely on the humanitarian positions taken by potential supporters. “We appreciate everyone who stood with the people of Gaza,” Masoud concluded, emphasizing that gestures of solidarity, regardless of language or culture, resonate deeply with the community.
