TEHRAN, July 20, 2026 (BSS/AFP) - Iran on Monday congratulated Spain on its 
victory in the World Cup, saying that it had brought happiness to people 
around the world who opposed the United States and Israel.

On social media, the winning side appeared to have won support from people 
around the world thanks to the Spanish government's condemnation of Israel's 
actions in Gaza and Madrid's criticism of the war in Iran.

On the other hand, Israeli politicians and football fans had rallied for 
Argentina, whose President Javier Milei has been a vocal supporter of 
Israel's policies.

"The players' defence of the Palestinian people and the support of Spain for 
Iran... showed that freedom and assertiveness are characteristics of that 
intelligent and respectful nation," said Iran's top negotiator, Mohammad 
Bagher Ghalibaf, quoted by the state news agency IRNA.

He added that the victory, "not only made the hearts of the Spanish people 
happy, but also the hearts of many free and independent and justice-loving 
nations of the world."

Earlier, foreign ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei said: "The behaviour of 
the Spanish national team and Spain's stance in general in recent months in 
opposing aggression, genocide and oppression was valuable."