DaysofPal – As the World Cup final approaches, many Palestinians in the Gaza Strip say they will be cheering for Spain, citing the country’s political support for Palestine and expressions of solidarity from Spanish public figures throughout Israel’s war on Gaza.
Ahmed al-Bozm, 33, is among those backing Spain in the final against Argentina.
“I’m completely behind Spain because they stood up for Palestine,” he said, sending a message of appreciation to Spain and Barcelona star Lamine Yamal, who waved a Palestinian flag during Barcelona’s La Liga victory parade in May.
“We love you from Palestine,” al-Bozm said. “We support you wholeheartedly, and we hope you lift the World Cup trophy and raise the Palestinian flag as well.”
Football Brings Brief Relief
Despite widespread enthusiasm for the tournament, watching matches has become a challenge in Gaza after more than two years of war.
Power outages, severe fuel shortages, and the high cost of operating generators have made television broadcasts inaccessible for many families.
“People can only watch a match if electricity happens to be available, but generators shut down because fuel is scarce and too expensive,” said Adnan al-Afifi, a former footballer and stadium manager. “Ordinary Palestinians are paying the price.”
To revive some of the sporting spirit lost during the war, al-Afifi has organized World Cup-themed exhibition matches at the Palestine Sports Club in Gaza City, the only football club in the Strip still operating and accessible to players.
Ahead of the final, the club hosted two friendly matches featuring teams representing Palestine and Spain. The events included referees and even a symbolic Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system, recreating the atmosphere of an international tournament.
“The atmosphere was full of passion and positivity, and it was our biggest show of support for the Spanish national team,” al-Afifi said.
Support Beyond Football
Spain’s popularity in Gaza has grown since the Spanish government officially recognized the State of Palestine in May 2024 and repeatedly called for a ceasefire and increased humanitarian aid to Gaza.
Expressions of solidarity from Spanish sports figures, including Yamal and former Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola, have further strengthened the connection many Palestinians feel with the Spanish national team.
“The entire Palestinian people hopes Spain wins the World Cup,” said Hatem al-Maghribi, head coach of Gaza’s amputee football team, Gaza Determination.
“These players lost their legs and their arms, but they have not lost their words of gratitude, love and appreciation for those who stood with Palestine,” he said, also thanking Egypt national team coach Hossam Hassan for publicly supporting Palestinians during the tournament.
“These gestures mean a lot to us,” al-Afifi added. “They make us feel that someone sees what we are going through.”
Although football activities have slowly resumed in parts of Gaza, the sport continues to face enormous challenges.
Al-Afifi said all of Gaza’s major stadiums are out of service after being damaged during the war or converted into shelters for displaced families.
Having played across stadiums from Rafah in the south to Beit Hanoun in the north over the past 25 years, he described the destruction of the territory’s football infrastructure as heartbreaking.
For now, football has largely been limited to five-a-side pitches, where the Palestinian Football Association organizes local tournaments to keep players connected to the game.
Even under the hardships of war and displacement, football continues to offer many Gazans a rare escape from daily suffering.
“Everyone wants to watch the big matches, especially the final,” al-Afifi said, expressing hope that community organizations will organize public screenings across Gaza.
“Spain stood with the Palestinian cause and raised awareness internationally. We hope they will be rewarded by winning the World Cup.”
While supporting Spain, al-Afifi emphasized that his preference should not be viewed as hostility toward Argentina.
“We respect every national team, regardless of where they come from,” he said. “Argentina is a great footballing nation. Supporting Spain does not mean we are enemies of the Argentinian team.”
Looking ahead to the final, al-Maghribi predicted a difficult contest, saying Argentina’s experience and captain Lionel Messi could give the reigning champions an edge.
Al-Bozm, however, remained optimistic.
“I expect Spain to win 3-1 after extra time,” he said. “I think it will finish 1-1 in normal time before Spain scores twice in extra time.”
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