‘I want to enjoy the World Cup like everyone else’: A Gaza footballer’s struggle to watch the tournament

The Independent World Saturday 27 June 2026, 11:13 UTC By Maira Butt 1 min read

Key Points

Football fan and founder of Palestine’s first national team for people of short stature, Haitham Al-Saqqa describes the danger of watching matches in the enclave, Maira Butt reports

the World Cup (EVENT) Gaza (LOCATION) Palestine (LOCATION) Haitham Al-Saqqa (PERSON) Maira Butt (PERSON)

Originally published by The Independent World Read original →

World Cup 2026 : Senegal through to the knockout round, Dembélé triple puts France on top To display this content from YouTube, you must enable advertisement tracking and audience measurement. Issued on: France secured the top spot of their group in style, thanks to a hat trick by Ousmane Dembélé. Senegal 5-0 goal fest against Iraq means they make it through to the knockouts.

France 24 2h ago

Romelu Lukaku becomes Belgium's highest FIFA WC scorer with record-breaking goal

Romelu Lukaku became Belgium's highest goal scorer in FIFA World Cup history after scoring in his side's 5-1 win over New Zealand in their Group G match at the FIFA World Cup 2026. The 33-year-old scored in the 86th minute to take his World Cup tally to six goals, moving past Marc Wilmots, who had scored five goals for Belgium at the tournament, according to OptaJose as reported by ANI. Lukaku reached the milestone during Belgium's comfortable win, which helped them finish at the top of...

Times of India 3h ago

'Trent Bridge falls silent!' - England lose three early wickets

England lose three wickets for eleven runs as Joe Root, Jacob Bethell and Jamie Smith are dismissed early on day three of the third Test against New Zealand at Trent Bridge.

BBC News 3h ago

The Viking Row, a human statue and a Tartan takeover: World Cup trends capture U.S. hearts

Fans from around the world have traveled thousands of miles to the World Cup, bringing with them displays of national identity that have delivered some of the tournament’s most iconic moments. After Norway beat Senegal 3-2 in New Jersey on Monday, it was the scenes in the stands that stole the spotlight. Instead of breaking into frenzied celebrations, thousands of Norwegian fans sat down and began rowing in their seats.

NBC News 4h ago

‘I want to enjoy the World Cup like everyone else’: A Gaza footballer’s struggle to watch the tournament

Related Stories

World Cup 2026 : Senegal through to the knockout round, Dembélé triple puts France on top

Romelu Lukaku becomes Belgium's highest FIFA WC scorer with record-breaking goal

'Trent Bridge falls silent!' - England lose three early wickets

The Viking Row, a human statue and a Tartan takeover: World Cup trends capture U.S. hearts