DaysofPal — As the 2026 FIFA World Cup kicks off, football fans across the globe are celebrating the world’s most-watched sporting event.
In the Gaza Strip, however, the excitement is overshadowed by the harsh realities of Israeli genocidal war, destruction, and mass displacement, turning what is usually a festive occasion into a daily struggle for thousands.
Football has long served as an emotional escape for Gaza’s residents, offering moments of unity and joy amid ongoing hardship.
But the ongoing conflict has made following the tournament increasingly difficult. Worsening economic conditions, frequent power outages, disrupted telecommunications, and the high cost of accessing sports broadcasts have all contributed to dampening the World Cup spirit.
Mustafa Nawfal, a football coach in Gaza, said that while enthusiasm for the tournament still exists among young people, the difficult living conditions have forced many families to shift their priorities.
“Most households are now focused on securing basic necessities such as food, water, and daily supplies,” Nawfal explained. “Watching matches or subscribing to sports channels has become a secondary concern.”
The war has also dealt a heavy blow to Gaza’s sports sector. Dozens of sports facilities have been destroyed, and many athletes and sports professionals have been killed or injured, significantly impacting the broader athletic community.
Financial and technical challenges further complicate access to World Cup coverage. Subscription fees for sports channels remain prohibitively expensive for many, while modern satellite receivers have become scarce due to restrictions on imports into the enclave.
As a result, prices for such equipment have surged well beyond what most residents can afford.
Online streaming, often seen as an alternative, is not a reliable solution either. Damaged telecommunications infrastructure and frequent internet and electricity outages make consistent access nearly impossible for large segments of the population.
Security concerns add another layer of difficulty. Gathering in public spaces such as cafes or open areas to watch matches has become increasingly dangerous amid ongoing airstrikes and attacks. Many residents now prefer to watch games inside their shelters or displacement centers, if conditions allow, rather than risk traveling or assembling in groups.
For many in Gaza, memories of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar feel like a distant past. Back then, public squares and halls were filled with fans watching matches on large screens in a vibrant, celebratory atmosphere.
In stark contrast, the 2026 tournament unfolds against a backdrop of devastation, with the sports sector suffering massive losses, including the destruction of facilities and the deaths of over a thousand individuals involved in athletics.
Despite these immense challenges, the passion for football endures. For Gaza’s residents, the World Cup remains a rare source of fleeting joy, a brief distraction from a daily reality marked by hardship and uncertainty.
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