Spain's World Cup victory brings joy to war-torn Gaza

After Spain defeated Argentina 1-0 in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final, residents of Gaza erupted in celebration. Hundreds of Palestinians gathered in cafes across the Nuseirat refugee camp in central Gaza to watch the match. When Spain scored the winning goal in extra time, they burst into joy.

According to an Al Jazeera report, despite the ongoing war and humanitarian crisis, the event brought a sense of relief and normalcy to the people of Gaza. However, the support for Spain had deeper political and humanitarian reasons.

The report said Spain's long-standing support for Palestine and Madrid's stance during Israel's military operations in Gaza had a positive impact on the Gazan people. Not just the government, but several Spanish sports personalities have also publicly expressed solidarity with Palestine. In particular, the stance of young star Lamine Yamal and other Spanish footballers was widely praised among Palestinians.

Additionally, Argentine President Javier Milei's staunch pro-Israel position and his various statements on the Palestine issue created an adverse sentiment towards Argentina among many in Gaza, the report noted.

Gazans who came to watch the match, told Anadolu Agency: "We gathered to support Spain because the country has stood by the Palestinian people for many years."

He also said, "This gathering is also a message of peace and solidarity with the countries that stand by Palestine. We are a nation that wants peace."

In Sunday's World Cup final, Spain became world champions for the second time after 2010, beating Argentina 1-0 with Ferran Torres's solitary goal in extra time. Meanwhile, Argentina failed to retain the title they won at the 2022 Qatar World Cup.

Source: Anadolu Agency