Hamas Praises Spain's World Cup Win, Linking It to Palestinian Support

Spain won the 2026 FIFA World Cup by defeating Argentina 1-0, securing their second title in history. The victory sparked a range of reactions, including from Israeli politicians who expressed support for the reigning champions despite Spain's longstanding anti-Israel stance since October 7.

Among the notable responses was a statement from Basem Naim, a senior Hamas official, who congratulated Spain on their "well-deserved" win and linked the celebration to Palestinian supporters, saying the victory "angered the Zionists and their allies." This reflects the broader political context surrounding the tournament, where Spain's support for Palestine was visible, including celebrations featuring the Palestinian flag and chants of "Free Palestine" during Spain's championship festivities.

Social media also highlighted Spanish player Ansu Fati, who famously waved the Palestinian flag during Barcelona's championship parade. Journalist Ryan Rozbiyani tweeted that Fati's gesture and Spain's World Cup win were "100 percent from God." The tournament's third-place match saw France defeat England 6-4, but the main focus remained on Spain's historic triumph and its political symbolism.

The World Cup victory has thus been embraced by Palestinian supporters and Hamas as a symbolic moment, intertwining sports with political expression amid ongoing Israeli-Palestinian tensions. Further reactions from the Spanish team have yet to be released.