FIFA World Cup: Palestine Absent From the Field, Present in Every Stadium

NEW YORK — The FIFA World Cup 2026, being held across the United States, Canada and Mexico, has become more than a football tournament — it has turned into a global platform of solidarity with Palestine. Although the Palestinian national team failed to qualify, thousands of fans from various countries have carried Palestinian flags, chanted “Free Palestine,” and protested against Israeli military actions in Gaza at stadiums, fan zones and public squares throughout the event.
Palestine-related hashtags and videos have circulated widely on social media, while the “Red Card Israel” campaign — calling for Israel’s suspension from international sports competitions — gained visible traction in several countries.
During the Round of 32 match between Germany and Paraguay, a Palestinian-American family was seen raising the Palestinian flag alongside their child. Speaking to Anadolu Agency, a family member said: “We are Palestinian Americans. We are celebrating Palestine throughout the whole World Cup. They can never stop us. Free Palestine!”