Last night, I was Spanish, and so were millions around the world

What the report says

In an Al Jazeera opinion piece published on July 20, 2026, Ziyad Motala, a professor of law at Howard University School of Law, reflects on Spain’s World Cup victory over Argentina through the lens of Gaza and Palestine. Motala writes that many viewers without a direct national stake in the final found themselves supporting Spain not only for footballing reasons, but because of the political symbolism they associated with the country’s stance on Palestine.

The article argues that Spain has taken a clearer position than many Western allies on Gaza. Motala points to Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez’s government recognising the State of Palestine, Sánchez’s use of the term “genocide” for Israel’s actions in Gaza, and Spanish moves toward an arms embargo against Israel. He also highlights Barcelona and Spain player Lamine Yamal waving a Palestinian flag during Barcelona’s La Liga celebrations, describing it as a meaningful symbol for people who feel Palestine has been pushed out of public view.

Motala contrasts those associations with Argentina under President Javier Milei, whom he describes as closely aligned with Israel and US President Donald Trump. The piece also references Lionel Messi’s 2013 visit to the Western Wall in occupied East Jerusalem, while noting that the image came from a different moment and context.

The column’s wider point is that Gaza has changed how some people interpret institutions, governments and even sports. Motala stresses that a World Cup win cannot bring justice or relief to Palestinians, but says symbolism still shaped how he and others experienced Spain’s triumph.