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Spain win sparks Gaza joy
Palestinians in Gaza and the Occupied West Bank celebrated Spain’s World Cup victory after Spain beat Argentina 1-0 after extra time, with screenings set up in cafes despite electricity cut off and viewing nearly impossible inside homes and tents.
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas described the win in a message to Spain’s King Felipe VI as a “major global sporting achievement” that came as a result of effort and perseverance, and he also sent a similar cable of congratulations to Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez.
Hamas also congratulated Spain, with Hamas official Basem Naim saying, “We congratulate Spain on its deserved World Cup win, and we congratulate Palestine and its supporters on their joy,” in remarks carried by Palestinian media.
In Gaza, Palestinians gathered around makeshift screens and by the final whistle the screenings turned into spontaneous celebrations, with the Spanish flag appearing prominently in some scenes and young men and children clapping, cheering and chanting for Spain.
Solidarity framed against war
A Gaza resident, Numan Abdullah, told Anadolu that “We came together to support Spain because it has stood by the Palestinian people for years,” describing the gathering in Nuseirat refugee camp as carrying a message of peace and solidarity.
Anadolu also reported that Spain collected the trophy from U.S. President Donald Trump after beating the Lionel Messi-led Argentina 1-0 after extra time, and that Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas sent a message to Spain’s King Felipe VI describing the win as a “major global sporting achievement.”
In the same coverage, Hamas official Basem Naim framed the moment as shared joy for Palestine and its supporters, saying, “We congratulate Spain on its deserved World Cup win, and we congratulate Palestine and its supporters on their joy,” while Palestinians in Gaza watched the match as a rare break from war.
The TRT World account said hundreds of Palestinians in Gaza celebrated Spain’s crowning as the 2026 World Cup champions after the winning goal against Argentina secured the second title in Spain’s history, with celebrations erupting in areas dominated by scenes of destruction.
Political alliances and messages
Beyond Gaza, the celebration was tied to political messages, with the State of Palestine’s mission to the United Nations posting an image of the Palestinian and Spanish flags together with a red heart and a yellow heart after Spain’s win.
“Toggle Play Why Palestinians in Gaza are celebrating Spain’s World Cup win Thousands of Palestinians gathered across Gaza to watch the World Cup final, with many backing Spain as a gesture of appreciation for what they see as the country’s support for Palestinians during Israel’s genocidal war on Gaza”
El Constitucional reported that Iran and the State of Palestine publicly congratulated Spain’s national team, and it quoted Iranian president Masoud Pezeshkian saying, “I extend my congratulations on the success of the Spain national football team and the World Cup title to the people and government of this country.”
In the same account, El Constitucional said the State of Palestine’s mission to the United Nations chose a simpler message, posting the Palestinian and Spanish flags together accompanied by a red heart and a yellow heart, while Gaza also cheered Spain’s goal.
Euronews described the final as held at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, with the winning goal scored by Ferran Torres in the 106th minute, and it linked Arab reactions to Spain’s policies toward the Palestinian issue, including recognizing a Palestinian state and joining South Africa’s case against Israel before the International Court of Justice for genocide in Gaza.
