Gaza cheers for Spain as World Cup final anticipation mounts

Ahmed al-Bozm, a 33-year-old Palestinian from Gaza, knows exactly which team he will support in Sunday's final: "I'm completely behind Spain because they stood up for Palestine." This view is widely held across the Gaza Strip, influenced by the Spanish government's positions during Israel's war and public support from Spanish sports figures, including Barcelona star Lamine Yamal, who waved the Palestinian flag during Barcelona's open-top bus parade in May after winning La Liga.

Former footballer and stadium manager Adnan al-Afifi has organized World Cup-themed exhibition matches at the Palestine Sports Club in Gaza City – the only football club still operating in the Strip. On Thursday and Saturday, the club staged two simulated World Cup matches between teams representing Palestine and Spain, featuring referees and a symbolic VAR system. "The atmosphere was full of passion and positivity, and it was our biggest show of support for the Spanish national team," said al-Afifi.

In May 2024, the Spanish government officially recognized the State of Palestine, and Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez called for a ceasefire and humanitarian aid. Several Spanish national team athletes and coaches, including Yamal and former Manchester City coach Pep Guardiola, have expressed solidarity with Gaza. "The entire Palestinian people hopes Spain wins the World Cup," said Hatem al-Maghribi, head coach of Gaza's amputee football team Gaza al-Irada, also thanking Egypt coach Hossam Hassan for his public support.

Al-Afifi noted that football in Gaza is slowly recovering, but all major stadiums are destroyed or used as shelters. Currently, football is limited to five-a-side pitches. Despite the war, football remains an important part of daily life, offering a 90-minute escape. "Everyone wants to watch the big matches, especially the final," al-Afifi said, hoping local organizations will arrange public screenings.

Despite supporting Spain, al-Afifi stressed respect for Argentina: "We respect every national team." Al-Maghribi expects a tough final due to Lionel Messi, while al-Bozm predicts Spain will win 3-1 after extra time.