Fans gathered celebrated the the victory of Spain against former champions Argentina on Sunday’s 2026 FIFA World Cup final at New York-New Jersey Stadium in the USA, with Palestine flags.
Spain defeated Argentina by 1-0 in extra time on Sunday. Fans gathered in Times Square celebrated Spain’s triumph over Argentina by waving Spanish and Palestinian flags while singing and chanting Free Palestine.
Fans filled the iconic square as they celebrated their nation’s World Cup triumph into the evening. Spain has been a vehement supporter of the Palestinian since the Israel’s war on Gaza. The Spanish government, led by the Pedro Sanchez, has repeatedly expressed support for the Palestine and for the people of Gaza. They have strongly condemned the Israel’s action in Gaza Strip and the Palestine. Sunday’s FIFA World Cup brought glory back to Spain after 2010 win.
On the other hand, Spain’s World Cup victory over Argentina was celebrated by Palestinians and pro-Palestinian supporters across the world after the Sunday final that had became a symbolic contest over the ongoing war in Gaza. Ferran Torres scored the winning goal in the 106th minute to secure the win for the country.
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In the build-up to the final, social media users across the world increasingly declared their support for one of the teams, according to each country’s position towards Israel and Palestine, turning football’s mega event into a broader political debate. Spain has won widespread support across the world for its pro-Palestinian stance and Pedro Sanchez’s criticism of Israel’s genocidal actions on Gaza and Madrid’s recognition of the state of Palestine in May 2024.
Argentina has continued to strengthen its relations with Israel under President Javier Milley, who has emerged as one of Israel’s strongest allies. Israel, including its Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, openly endorsed Argentina before the final after receiving an official national team shirt from Argentina’s Ambassador to Israel, Rabbi Shimon Axel Vanish.
Meanwhile, Spanish winger Lamine Yamal attracted widespread praise from the football fans after he was seen waving a Palestinian flag during Barcelona’s La Liga title celebration in May. Spanish actor Javier Bardem has also been a longtime advocate for Palestinian rights and was also seen carrying a Palestinian flag in the stadium.
