GAZA CITY: Residents across the Gaza Strip are facing major challenges in following the FIFA World Cup 2026 as ongoing conflict, displacement, electricity shortages and unreliable internet access disrupt access to live broadcasts.
Many football fans who once gathered in homes, cafes and sports venues to watch matches now rely on delayed broadcasts, mobile phones and match highlights due to the difficult conditions created by the war.
In Gaza City, displaced residents living in temporary shelters and tent camps say frequent power outages and poor internet connectivity have made it difficult to follow the tournament in real time.
Several residents recalled that watching football during previous World Cups was a social activity that brought together families and friends. However, many of those gathering places have either been destroyed or converted into shelters for displaced people since the start of the conflict.
Sports facilities across the territory, including stadiums that previously hosted football matches, are now being used to accommodate displaced families, while others have suffered extensive damage.
Residents say the war has not only limited access to matches but has also reduced public enthusiasm for the tournament as daily concerns over security, food, shelter and basic services take priority.
Despite the challenges, some community members have established makeshift viewing areas inside displacement camps to allow residents to watch selected matches.
Temporary cafes and gathering spaces powered by generators and limited solar energy have emerged in several locations, although fuel shortages and intermittent electricity supplies continue to affect operations.
Operators of these facilities say security concerns remain a constant challenge, particularly during late-night matches, as fears of nearby military activity and bombardment persist.
Football remains one of the most popular sports in Gaza, and residents say international tournaments continue to provide moments of distraction from the hardships of war, displacement and uncertainty.
However, many fans acknowledge that the atmosphere surrounding the World Cup is markedly different from previous tournaments, with celebrations and public gatherings largely replaced by efforts to cope with ongoing humanitarian challenges.