Spain defeated Argentina 1–0 in the 2026 World Cup final at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, with Ferran Torres scoring the decisive goal in the 105th minute of extra time. The victory marked Spain’s first World Cup title in 16 years. While celebrations filled the streets of Madrid, Barcelona, Seville, and Valencia, an unexpected wave of joy also swept through war-torn Gaza, where residents watched the match on small screens and limited electricity, celebrating Spain’s triumph as their own.

For Gazans, Spain’s win carried deep political and emotional meaning. Spain is among the few major European nations to formally recognize the State of Palestine, and Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has consistently called for a ceasefire and humanitarian aid in Gaza. This stance has made Spain a symbol of solidarity for Palestinians. Many in Gaza publicly supported Spain before the final, viewing the match as a symbolic clash between two political positions, given Argentina’s leadership’s strong pro-Israel stance.

The celebrations in Gaza reflected gratitude and hope amid destruction, turning Spain’s football victory into a powerful message of human connection and resilience.