Gaza Herald _For many Palestinians in Gaza, Spain’s support for Palestine has turned a football match into a moment of solidarity and hope amid the devastation of war.
As the World Cup final approaches, many football fans in Gaza have already chosen the team they will support. For Palestinian football enthusiast Mohammad al-Afifi, the choice is clear: Spain.
“I fully support Spain because they stood with Palestine,” said the 33-year-old Palestinian ahead of La Roja’s final against Argentina.
With much of Gaza’s sporting life disrupted by the war, al-Afifi has been working to bring football back into the lives of Palestinians through 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.
The club hosted two symbolic World Cup matches this week, with teams representing Palestine and Spain. The games included referees and even a mock video assistant referee (VAR) system, giving players a rare chance to experience the atmosphere of an international football competition.
“The atmosphere was filled with passion and positivity,” al-Afifi said. “It was our biggest expression of support for the Spanish national team.”
Spain’s support resonates in Gaza
Spain’s recognition of the State of Palestine in May 2024 strengthened its connection with many Palestinians. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez said the decision was aimed at supporting a two-state solution and addressing the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, while also calling for a ceasefire and increased humanitarian assistance.
Support from Spanish athletes and football figures has also left a lasting impact. Players such as Lamine Yamal, along with former Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola, have expressed solidarity with Palestinians, gestures many in Gaza view as meaningful beyond the football field.
“The entire Palestinian people hope Spain wins the World Cup,” said Hatem al-Maghribi, head coach of Gaza’s amputee football team, Gaza al-Irada.
“These players lost their legs and arms, but they did not lose their gratitude, love, and appreciation for those who supported Palestine,” he said.
Al-Maghribi also thanked Egypt’s national team coach Hossam Hassan for showing support for Palestinians during the tournament.
“These gestures mean a lot to us,” al-Afifi said. “They make us feel that someone sees what we are experiencing.”
Football survives despite Gaza’s destruction
Al-Afifi said football in Gaza is slowly beginning to recover despite the enormous damage caused by the war, but major challenges remain.
“Most of Gaza’s main stadiums are no longer functioning because of displacement and the security situation,” he said.
The former player recalled spending 25 years playing across Gaza’s stadiums, from Rafah in the south to Beit Hanoun in the north. Many of those facilities have since been damaged, destroyed, or transformed into shelters for displaced families.
Today, football activities have largely moved to smaller five-a-side fields, where the Palestinian Football Association organizes local tournaments to keep players connected to the sport.
Despite the destruction and humanitarian crisis, football has remained a source of relief for many Palestinians in Gaza during the World Cup, offering a brief escape from the realities of war.
“Everyone wants to watch the major matches, especially the final,” al-Afifi said, expressing hope that community groups will organize public screenings across Gaza.
“Spain stood with the Palestinian cause and helped raise awareness around the world,” he added. “We hope they are rewarded with a World Cup victory.”
Respect beyond football rivalries
Although al-Afifi supports Spain, he emphasized that his choice should not be viewed as hostility toward Argentina or its players.
“We respect every national team, no matter where they come from,” he said. “Argentina is a great football nation with incredible talent and history. Supporting Spain does not mean we are against Argentina. We wish them success as well.”
Hatem al-Maghribi expects a difficult final, saying Argentina could have an advantage because of Lionel Messi, captain of the defending champions.
But al-Afifi remains confident in Spain.
“I expect Spain to win 3-1 after extra time,” he said. “I think it will be 1-1 during regular time before Spain scores twice in extra time.”
