NUSEIRAT, Gaza: Palestinians celebrated Spain’s 1-0 extra-time victory over Argentina in the FIFA World Cup 2026 final, gathering at cafes and public screens across Gaza and the occupied West Bank on Sunday.
Residents watching the match in central Gaza’s Nuseirat refugee camp cheered as Spain secured its second world title, according to Anadolu Agency. The public screening gave residents a brief break from the pressures of war and daily hardship.
Many spectators supported Spain because of Madrid’s stance on Palestinian rights. Nuseirat resident Numan Abdullah said the crowd backed Spain because the country had “stood by the Palestinian people for years.”
Abdullah said the gathering also sent a message of peace and support for countries that stand with the Palestinians.
🇵🇸🇪🇸 Palestinians in Gaza celebrate Spain's 2026 FIFA World Cup triumph against Argentina
⚽ Residents cheer Spain's winning goal, finding a brief escape from hardships of daily life amid Israel's war on Gaza pic.twitter.com/XkNzOZcOq1
— Anadolu English (@anadoluagency) July 19, 2026Spain formally recognised the State of Palestine on May 28, 2024. The Spanish government said the decision supported peace and a two-state solution.
Meanwhile, Ferran Torres scored the final’s only goal in the 106th minute at New York New Jersey Stadium. The substitute’s extra-time strike ended Argentina’s bid to retain the title it won in Qatar in 2022.
The FIFA match report confirmed Spain’s 1-0 victory and named Torres the player of the match. Spain previously won the men’s World Cup in 2010. The latest victory gave the country its second title.
Read: Spain Beat Argentina 1-0 to Win The FIFA World Cup 2026
FIFA also awarded Spain midfielder Rodri the Golden Ball as the tournament’s best player. Goalkeeper Unai Simón won the Golden Glove after keeping seven clean sheets in eight matches.
