"A wonderful and beautiful feeling”: celebrating the World Cup in Gaza
Last updated 16 July 2026
A programme run by the Palestine Red Crescent Society, supported by the British Red Cross, is bringing joy to children in Gaza through football.
Local children gather at the Palestine Red Crescent mental health centre, for a celebration of football. (Credit: Abood Al Sayd/British Red Cross)
As the 2026 FIFA World Cup has played out, millions of children have had their eyes on the tournament, hosted this year by the USA, Mexico and Canada.
Whether they’ve stayed up late to catch a match or watched a replay with their school friends, a new generation of football fans have been swept up in the biggest competition in world football.
In Gaza, where children live with anxiety and fear about things no child should have to worry about, the World Cup has also offered an escape.
Children play football in a session hosted by the Palestine Red Crescent Society. (Credit: Abood Al-Sayd/British Red Cross)
A special support session allowed children in Gaza to get together to play football in a programme run by the Palestine Red Crescent Society and Mental Health and Psychosocial Support Football (MHPSS Football).
Hosted at the Palestine Red Crescent Society’s mental health centre and supported by the British Red Cross, the session offered a safe space for children to celebrate the World Cup.
Children wore the kits of some of their favourite players and teams. (Credit: Abood Al-Sayd/British Red Cross)
“Children in Gaza in general love football,” says Dr Niveen, a mental health practitioner working at the PRCS centre. “So it became a release tool, something important and beautiful for children.”
In a photo series, children are seen playing football, wearing the shirts of their favourite players, and celebrating the joy the World Cup brings to so many.
Ramadan Al-Nayrab, 15. (Credit: Abood Al-Sayd/British Red Cross)
Ramadan al-Nayrab, who is 15, says that playing football helps him to forget the daily realities of the conflict in Gaza.
“It is good that there is a place we can play, because the war destroyed all the football fields and everything related to football. I wish I could travel abroad because of my strong and distinctive football skills, but the war has destroyed everything.”
“My favourite team is Real Madrid, and my favourite player is Cristiano Ronaldo because he is an experienced and complete player in every aspect.”
14-year-old Mohammed Akram says that football helps him feel free.
“It helps me relax and enjoy myself. [The best things about playing here are that] my family, neighbours and relatives encourage me. It is a wonderful and beautiful feeling and I feel that it helps me relax and enjoy myself.”
(Credit: Abood Al-Sayd/British Red Cross)
(Credit: Abood Al-Sayd/British Red Cross)
When asked what he wanted people watching the World Cup to remember, 16-year-old Ahmad Abu Esha said: “I want them to understand our suffering and to know that we do not have the opportunity to see or experience everything.”
“The support and encouragement of family and neighbours [are the best things]. It is a wonderful feeling when your team scores a goal and you are the goalkeeper giving everything you can for the team.”
The centre also offers art therapy, storytelling sessions and games, as well as medical care and mental health services for children.
“We at the Palestine Red Crescent tried to create this safe space,” says Dr Niveen. “Their activities vary - many children here love playing games. For a long time they haven’t touched or played with toys, so the child chooses the toy they want and starts playing freely.”
The centre also offers bespoke support for children who have lost loved ones to the conflict.
“We all know that Gaza has gone through very difficult psychological conditions over the past two years, especially for the most vulnerable group: children," says Dr Niveen. "Children come here every day; they don’t want the session to end. They want to stay in the mental health centres because they represent a safe place and an environment where they can relieve their stress.”
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