Gaza fans rally behind Spain before World Cup final
Support for Spain has grown in Gaza as fans link the team to Spanish political and sporting gestures toward Palestinians.
By James Whitfield · Staff Writer
3 min read
Football fans in Gaza are rallying behind Spain ahead of the World Cup final against Argentina, Al Jazeera reported, tying their support to Spanish political and sporting gestures toward Palestinians. The tournament has offered some residents a brief break from war, even as power cuts, fuel shortages and damaged sports facilities make watching and playing difficult.
Ahmed al-Bozm, a 33-year-old Palestinian in Gaza City, told Al Jazeera he would back Spain because of its support for Palestine. He also sent a message of support to Barcelona forward Lamine Yamal, who waved a Palestinian flag during Barcelona’s La Liga title parade in May, according to the broadcaster.
Al Jazeera reported that Spain’s popularity in Gaza has been shaped in part by the Spanish government’s positions during Israel’s war in Gaza and by public expressions of solidarity from Spanish sporting figures. Spain formally recognised the State of Palestine in May 2024. Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said at the time that the move was meant to support a two-state solution, help address Gaza’s humanitarian crisis, call for a ceasefire and aid deliveries, according to Al Jazeera.
Football under wartime conditions
Adnan al-Afifi, a former footballer and stadium manager, told Al Jazeera that fans can follow matches only when electricity is available. Generators are also difficult to rely on, he said, because fuel is scarce and costly.
Al-Afifi has helped stage World Cup-themed exhibition games at the Palestine Sports Club in Gaza City, which Al Jazeera described as the only football club still operating and reachable for players in the Strip. On Thursday and Saturday, the club hosted simulated World Cup matches between sides representing Palestine and Spain.
The matches included referees and a symbolic video assistant referee system, an effort to recreate the feel of an international fixture. Al-Afifi told Al Jazeera the events became a show of enthusiasm for Spain’s national team.
He said football in Gaza is showing limited signs of life despite the destruction caused by the war. Major stadiums across Gaza are out of service because of displacement and security conditions, he told Al Jazeera, adding that some grounds have been destroyed while others have become shelters for displaced families.
For now, football activity has largely shifted to five-a-side pitches. Al Jazeera reported that the Palestinian Football Association has organised small local tournaments to keep players involved in the game.
Spain’s gestures resonate
Hatem al-Maghribi, head coach of Gaza’s amputee football team, Gaza al-Irada, told Al Jazeera that many Palestinians want Spain to win. He said players who had lost limbs still wanted to express gratitude to those who had shown support for Palestinians.
Al-Maghribi also thanked Egypt coach Hossam Hassan for publicly backing Palestinians during the World Cup, according to Al Jazeera. Former Manchester City coach Pep Guardiola was also cited by the broadcaster among prominent football figures who have spoken in support of people in Gaza.
Al-Afifi said those gestures make Palestinians feel seen. He also said his support for Spain should not be read as hostility toward Argentina, despite criticism among Palestinians of Argentinian President Javier Milei’s support for Israel. Argentina remains a respected football nation, he told Al Jazeera.
The final has divided expectations among Gaza supporters. Al-Maghribi told Al Jazeera that Argentina may have the stronger chance because of Lionel Messi, captain of the defending champions. Al-Bozm predicted Spain would win 3-1 after extra time, saying he expected a draw after 90 minutes before Spain scored twice.
This story draws on original reporting from Al Jazeera.