Gaza / Anadolu

In the Gaza Strip, currently facing escalating Israeli aggression, cafes and public squares transformed into rare spaces of joy to celebrate Spain’s victory in the FIFA World Cup, a gesture of gratitude for its supportive stances toward the Palestinian cause.

Ahead of the final match, hundreds of Palestinians gathered in cafes across various areas where large screens were set up to watch the game. The atmosphere was charged with enthusiasm, with many hoping for a Spanish victory over Argentina, whose president, Javier Milei, they perceive as a supporter of Israel.

Amid power outages and the lack of private viewing options in the remaining homes and tents throughout the Strip, many found these gatherings a chance to watch the match, which concluded in spontaneous celebrations.

The Spanish national team secured the 2026 FIFA World Cup title for the second time in its history after a thrilling 1-0 victory over Argentina following extra time in Sunday’s final.

Spain translated its control over the match into a lead in the 106th minute when Ferran Torres scored with a powerful left-footed strike from inside the penalty area, following a header from his teammate Nico Williams.

The United States, Canada, and Mexico hosted the 23rd edition of the World Cup from June 11 to July 19, featuring 48 teams for the first time.

**Celebrations of the Victory

On social media platforms, activists shared video clips showing the celebrations and jubilation of Palestinians over Spain’s win.

The Spanish flag took center stage in several scenes of the festivities, with young men and children clapping, blowing whistles of joy, and cheering for the Spanish team.

** Joy Beyond Football

The joy of Palestinians was not linked to football alone; celebrants recalled Spain's positions in support of their cause, asserting on social media that peoples do not forget those who stand by them.

A user under the name 'Umm Yousef' on the American platform X wrote: 'Gaza celebrates Spain's victory. Because positions remain in memory, hearts align with those who stood with the people of Gaza.'

The user accompanied her post with a video clip documenting the celebrations of young people in the Strip following Spain's title win.

The way Gazans celebrated Spain caught the attention of Arabs, with some emphasizing that this joy was not solely about football.

In this regard, Shaaban Ahmed Al-Ajili from the Sultanate of Oman stated: 'From the midst of the rubble of destruction, and from the depths of the pain of the genocidal war, Gaza celebrates Spain's crowning in the 2026 World Cup.'

He added: 'Gaza does not forget those who stand with it, and it angers the enemy entity that openly expressed its hatred for Spain and wished for its Zionist ally to win,' attaching a video clip showing the Palestinians' joy.

In a related context, the Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas) congratulated Spain on its team's victory over Argentina.

Basem Naim, a leader in the movement, said in remarks carried by Palestinian media: 'We congratulate Spain on its well-deserved World Cup victory, and we congratulate Palestine and its supporters on their joy, even if this victory only serves to frustrate the Zionists and their lackeys.'

The scenes of celebration reflected rare moments of collective joy in the Strip, as videos showed children—who have paid a heavy price during the genocide Israel has been committing since October 2023—embracing each other in expression of their delight at the team's victory.

** Yamal's Gesture Remembered

While celebrating the victory on social media, Palestinians recalled the sight of Spanish national team and FC Barcelona player Lamine Yamal carrying the Palestinian flag last May during his club's parade to celebrate their La Liga title.

At the time, Yamal appeared carrying the Palestinian flag atop an open-top bus carrying Barcelona players through the city streets, a scene that resonated widely among Palestinians, especially in the Gaza Strip.

Palestinian activists reshared the clip of Yamal, viewing their joy for his national team's victory as a message of gratitude for their supportive stances.

The Palestinian celebration of this victory coincided with ongoing Spanish positions in support of the Palestinian cause, the latest of which occurred on April 30, when Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez called on the European Union to immediately suspend the association agreement with Israel.

In January, Spain also pledged to increase its development support for Palestine to 75 million euros over the next two years, in addition to pledging efforts to mobilize international support for the 'Emergency Financial Sustainability Fund for the Palestinian Government'.

In May 2024, Spain officially recognized the State of Palestine, a move that angered Tel Aviv, before the crisis escalated in 2025 with Madrid imposing a package of measures against Israel, including an arms export ban, blocking military shipments through its territory, restrictions on dealings with settlements, and the recall of its ambassador from Tel Aviv.

Since October 8, 2023, Israel has been committing genocide with American support, resulting in more than 73,000 deaths, over 173,000 injuries, and massive destruction affecting 90 percent of civilian infrastructure.