Supporters of France, who defeated Senegal 3-1 in their opening Group I match, waved a Palestinian flag inside the stadium.
Before kickoff at New York New Jersey Stadium, a French fan was seen holding a Palestinian flag in the stands.
Ahead of Brazil’s Round of 32 match against Japan, supporters of the five-time world champions marched to the stadium in large numbers while a fan in the group was carrying a Palestinian flag.
Calls for freedom for Palestine and Lebanon
Outside the stadium in Seattle hosting the Egypt-Iran match, a woman dressed as the Statue of Liberty called for freedom for Palestine and Lebanon while displaying the flags of both nations.
Palestinian flags were also visible inside the stadium during the match.
World Cup teams and fans back Palestine
Among the participating nations are Türkiye, Spain, Scotland, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Morocco, Senegal, Algeria, Egypt and Iran, whose supporters have been among the most vocal in displaying solidarity with Palestinians.
Neither Palestine nor Israel qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Palestine failed to secure a place through the Asian qualifiers and, due to security concerns, played many of its home matches at neutral venues.
Israel also failed to qualify after being eliminated during the qualification process.
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“Show Israel a red card”
Football clubs and supporters from numerous countries have backed the campaign urging football authorities to “show Israel a red card.”
According to Palestinian officials, more than 1,000 athletes, most of them footballers, have been killed and nearly 300 sports facilities damaged or destroyed since the start of Israel’s war on Gaza.
Calls for Israel to be suspended from international sporting competitions have also been supported by athletes and supporters in several countries, including Türkiye.
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