This may be the only World Cup where Palestinian flags have so noticeably outnumbered Italian ones. At the first global tournament after Oct. 7, 2023, symbols of Palestinian solidarity have been widespread despite the fact that Palestine has never competed in a World Cup.
After being adopted by teams and fans across the tournament, the Palestinian cause may have seen its last hurrah at this World Cup with yesterday’s elimination of Morocco.
The tournament that began with a record eight Arab nations, twice the previous high for any World Cup, now has none left to represent the region. The war in Gaza has woven Palestinian solidarity inextricably into many of their fanbases.
Celebrating his team’s historic Round of 32 win over Australia last Friday, Egypt head coach Hossam Hassan raised a Palestinian flag as supporters chanted “Free Palestine” at Dallas Stadium.
“To our Palestinian brothers and sisters, may God protect them,” Hassan said at a post-match press conference. “This victory is for the Egyptian people, for the Palestinian people and for the Arab people.” On streets in Gaza, Palestinians mirrored Hassan’s gesture, hoisting Egyptian flags, setting off fireworks and celebrating the victory as their own.
At this World Cup, emblems of support been impossible to miss or conflate with just any other team. Supporters and players of many nations — including Jordan, Senegal, Tunisia, Algeria, and Bosnia and Herzegovina — are among the many who have made their support for Palestine through flags and keffiyehs unmistakable. But with Morocco out, Palestine may have to find its champions beyond the Muslim and Arab worlds.
