Goals for Gaza

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A mural of Spanish soccer player Lamine Yamal painted in Gaza in honor of his solidarity with Palestinians. AFSC/Gaza

Gaza World Cup 2026 – Solidarity with #GoalsforGaza

As people around the world cheer on their favorite teams and players in the 2026 World Cup, Palestinians in Gaza continue to live through a genocide, suffering daily attacks by Israeli forces and unable to access humanitarian aid, life-saving medical care and the outside world. Despite an announced ceasefire and the creation of a Board of Peace, Gaza remains the world’s largest open air prison and graveyard.

In June and July, the American Friends Service Committee (AFSC) team in Gaza is working with local municipalities and Gaza soccer players to host a series of matches as the World Cup Simulation Project – Gaza 2026, to show the world that Palestinians yearn to live, thrive and play in freedom. Three matches will be held – Gaza Legends, Gaza Amputees, and the final match on July 16, will feature two teams of professional Gaza club soccer players representing Team Palestine and Team Spain as a gesture of gratitude to the people and government of Spain for its efforts to stop the genocide in Gaza.

Gaza Legends play the first of three soccer matches organized by the AFSC in Gaza. Ashraf Shannon reports from Gaza City

Here's how you can participate:

Post on your social media

Take to social media with us to highlight our #GoalsForGaza.

Sample tweet:

For Palestinian children and adults alike, soccer is a joyous activity. But 1,000 days of Israel's genocide has displaced, disabled, and orphaned many players. Stop U.S. military aid to Israel now! #GoalsForGaza

Tag famous soccer players

Check out AFSC on Facebook, X, and Instagram! To help those in the sports world understand the barriers to play that Palestinian children in Gaza must face, we’re asking that you tag your favorite soccer players and teams in the comment sections of all of our posts for the #GoalsForGaza event. Please also tag these players in any other content you post or repost on social media!

You can also boost the coverage our games receive!

Organize a solidarity match

Do you know a sports team that would love to play a match or host an event for Gaza? Email Palestineactivism@afsc.org for more information. See photos from past #GoalsForGaza matches in our #GoalsForGaza Instagram highlight!