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Netanyahu backs Argentina
The World Cup final between Spain and Argentina became a political flashpoint tied to the war in Gaza after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu publicly backed Argentina over Spain, with Palestinian supporters saying they hoped for a Spain win because of Madrid’s positions condemning Israel’s assault on Gaza.
Netanyahu’s message was delivered to Argentina’s ambassador to Israel, Rabbi Shimon Axel Wahnihish, and he told the ambassador to pass on greetings from Argentine President Javier Milei, with Netanyahu replying: "Javier, you are a great friend, we support you, and we support Argentina in every way, including tomorrow. Good luck!"
A Moroccan digital outlet, Alyaoum24, said it abandoned journalistic neutrality to back Spain ahead of the final, publishing an image with the slogans "Viva España" and "Viva Palestina" and describing its support as recognition of solidarity with the Palestinian cause expressed by Spanish football figures.
In Gaza City, Ahmed al-Bozm, a 33-year-old Palestinian, said he was "completely behind Spain because they stood up for Palestine," and he sent a message to Barcelona star Lamine Yamal: "We love you from Palestine."
Online split and official ties
Spanish and Argentine government stances toward the war in Gaza were repeatedly cited as the reason the final took on a political character, with Spain described as recognizing the State of Palestine on May 28, 2024 and filing an intervention in South Africa’s case before the International Court of Justice on June 29, 2024.
In contrast, Argentina was described as strengthening relations with Israel since President Javier Milei took office, and the lead-up to the final included Netanyahu’s public support for Argentina being linked to Milei’s positions, as the Israeli prime minister met with Rabbi Shimon Axel Wahnihish and received a message from Milei.
The Gaza Strip’s reaction was framed as support for Spain rather than hostility toward Argentina, with Ahmed al-Bozm saying, "We respect every national team, regardless of where they come from," while also adding, "Argentina is a great footballing nation and a school".
The same Gaza report described how following the tournament has become difficult after more than two years of Israeli attacks, with Adnan al-Afifi saying, "People can only watch a match if electricity happens to be available, but generators shut down because fuel is scarce and too expensive," and he added, "Ordinary Palestinians are paying the price."
What Gaza hopes for
For Palestinians in Gaza, the final is presented as more than sport, with Hatem al-Maghribi, head coach of Gaza’s amputee football team Gaza al-Irada, saying, "The entire Palestinian people hopes Spain wins the World Cup," and describing gratitude toward those who stood with Palestine.
Gaza’s football life is described as constrained by the war, with al-Afifi saying, "All of Gaza’s major stadiums are out of service because of displacement and the security situation," and he recalled playing across Gaza’s major stadiums over 25 years from Rafah to Beit Hanoon.
Even so, al-Afifi said he has been organising World Cup-themed exhibition matches at the Palestine Sports Club in Gaza City, including simulated matches between teams representing Palestine and Spain with referees and a symbolic VAR system, and he said, "The atmosphere was full of passion and positivity, and it was our biggest show of support for the Spanish national team."
As anticipation mounts for Sunday’s match, al-Bozm said he hoped Spain would "lift the World Cup trophy and raise the Palestinian flag as well," while al-Afifi said he wants local organisations to organise public screenings across Gaza so people can watch the final despite the electricity and fuel constraints he described.
