Spanish soccer star Lamine Yamal previously drew attention by waving a Palestinian flag during Barcelona’s league title celebration.
By United with Israel Staff
Senior officials from the Hamas and Houthi terrorist organizations celebrated Spain’s World Cup victory over Argentina, praising the Spanish team against the backdrop of Madrid’s increasingly hostile stance toward Israel.
The final had taken on a distinctly political dimension before kickoff. Argentina, led diplomatically by staunchly pro-Israel President Javier Milei, drew strong support from Israeli leaders, while Spain has emerged as one of Israel’s harshest European critics during the Gaza war.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu publicly backed Argentina after receiving an official national team jersey from Argentine Ambassador Axel Wahnish.
“I don’t hide that I support Argentina, and I think most Israelis support Argentina because of Milei’s revolution in the relationship between our countries,” Netanyahu said before chanting, “Vamos Argentina.”
Netanyahu also responded to a personal message from Milei by calling him “a real friend” and promising Israeli support for Argentina “in so many ways, including tomorrow.”
UN Ambassador Danny Danon, National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir, Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and Transportation Minister Miri Regev also posted messages supporting Argentina.
Ben Gvir shared an image of Milei and Argentine star Lionel Messi at the Western Wall, writing: “We will love those who love Israel. Let’s go, Argentina.”
Following Spain’s victory, Hamas official Basem Naim celebrated the result and openly framed it as a defeat for Israel and its supporters.
“We congratulate Spain on its sweeping victory in the World Cup,” Naim said. “We congratulate Palestine and its supporters on their joy, even if this victory only angers the Zionists and their allies.”
The Iran-backed Houthis also hailed Spain’s win. Senior Houthi spokesman Nasr al-Din Amer wrote that “even in sports, whoever is supported by the Israeli enemy loses, and whoever stands against it wins.”
He congratulated Spain for what he called its “honorable position in support of Gaza and against the Israeli enemy.”
The praise from two terrorist organizations reflected Spain’s growing status as a favored European voice among Israel’s enemies. Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez’s government has repeatedly condemned Israel’s campaign against Hamas, recognized a Palestinian state and clashed publicly with Jerusalem.
The political symbolism was reinforced by Spanish star Lamine Yamal, who waved a Palestinian flag during Barcelona’s title celebrations in May and later posted photographs of himself holding it.
On the field, Spain defeated Argentina 1-0 after extra time, denying the defending champions a second consecutive World Cup title.
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