Palestinians are in a state of joy after Spain’s World Cup win

Spain faced Argentina in a thrilling final of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Spain won their second World Cup trophy after beating Lionel Messi's Argentina 1-0 in extra time.

The Spanish team received the champion trophy from US President Donald Trump. After Spain's world victory, a flood of joy is flowing across Palestine. Especially in the besieged and war-torn Gaza Strip, the victory has become not only a football success, but also a unique expression of gratitude for Spain's historical and political support for the Palestinians.

In Gaza, devastated by the Israeli aggression, it was impossible to watch the game in person in tents or rubble due to the lack of electricity. Therefore, big screens were arranged in various areas of Gaza, where hundreds of Palestinians gathered in cafes and open spaces to enjoy the match. As soon as the referee blew the final whistle, the gathering turned into a spontaneous celebration.

Palestinian youth and children took to the streets, waving Spanish flags, to cheer and applaud the Spanish team. Videos circulating on social media showed children from Gaza, who have suffered the most from the Israeli atrocities that have been going on since October 2023, hugging each other and celebrating this rare moment of joy. Many, including Omani social activist Shaban Ahmed al-Azili, wrote on X, “Gaza never forgets its friends who stood by its side; this victory is not just a football victory, it is an expression of gratitude from within the pain of destruction and genocide.”

The victory on the football field also had a great response in Palestinian political circles. Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas called the victory a “great global sporting achievement” in a congratulatory message sent to Spain’s King Felipe VI and Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez.

On behalf of the pro-independence organization Hamas, official Bassem Naim welcomed Spain's well-deserved victory and congratulated Palestine and its supporters. Hundreds of Palestinians also held victory marches in the streets carrying Spanish and Palestinian flags in cities such as Bethlehem, Hebron and Nablus in the occupied West Bank. Palestinian cartoonists Alaa al-Laqta and Mohammed Sabaneh showed the two countries' mutual solidarity by handing Palestinian flags to Spanish players, including Lamine Yamal, in their drawings.

It is worth noting that Yamal had previously held the Palestinian flag during Barcelona's La Liga victory celebration.

The main reason for this unbridled joy of the Palestinians is Spain's strong diplomatic position towards the Palestinian state. In May 2024, Spain officially recognized the Palestinian state, which angered Israel. Madrid then took drastic measures, including imposing an arms embargo on Israel in 2025, tightening restrictions on settlements, and withdrawing its ambassador from Tel Aviv.

Recently, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez called on the European Union to suspend its relationship with Israel and announced an increase in development funds for Palestine.

On the other hand, Argentina's defeat in the final was another source of relief for the Palestinians, as the current Argentine president, Javier Milley, has expressed unconditional support for Israel, although a large part of the Argentine general public is sympathetic to the Palestinians.

Palestinian journalist Alaa Rimawi noted that Israeli media and officials wished for Spain's defeat for political reasons, and an Israeli rabbi even prayed for Spain's defeat. Amidst all the hostility and hardships of war, Spain's world victory brought a piece of joy to the Palestinians and a unique opportunity to express gratitude to their friends who stood by them on the world stage.

Source: Anadolu Agency.