Israeli Officials’ ‘Unlucky’ Support for Argentina Blamed for World Cup Final Loss

According to the International Desk of Webangah News Agency, an Arab member of the Israeli Knesset has sarcastically linked the Argentinian national football team’s loss in the 2026 World Cup final to the public endorsements from Israeli officials. Ayman Odeh, a Member of Knesset, posted images on the social media platform ‘X’ showing Israeli officials supporting Argentina, commenting “The unlucky cabinet!” following the team’s defeat by Spain in the final match.

The images featured Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and two hardline ministers, Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich, who had declared their support for the Argentinian team prior to the final game.

Spain, recognized as a supporter of the Palestinian cause and a strong opponent of Israeli actions in the region, defeated Argentina on Sunday night to win the World Cup for the second time. Argentina, following the election of a new president, had become an ally of the Israeli regime. Several Israeli officials had officially declared their support for Argentina in the match, connecting the football game to broader political dynamics.

Before the final, Netanyahu met with the Argentine Ambassador to Israel, Shimon Axel Vahnich, and received the national team’s jersey. He conveyed to Argentine President Javier Milei, “You are a true friend; we support you and Argentina.”

Ben-Gvir had also released a video holding a golden trophy, exclaiming, “Onward to victory, Messi; onward to victory, Argentina.” Smotrich, during a meeting with the Argentine Ambassador, had claimed, “Every patriotic Israeli supports Argentina.”

The extensive support from Israeli officials for Argentina was seen as more closely tied to their relationship with Javier Milei and his pro-Israel stance than purely sporting reasons. Previously, Ben-Gvir, Smotrich, and Gideon Sa’ar had also issued messages of support after Argentina defeated England in the semi-final round.