Spain’s victory celebrated in Lebanon: Unrest in Baalbeck and songs praising... Berri

Following Spain's victory over Argentina in the World Cup final on Sunday night, residents of Beirut's southern suburbs gathered in neighborhoods across the area to celebrate.

Large crowds on motorcycles gathered at roundabouts, honking their horns and waving Spanish flags, while others danced in the streets. Many residents of Beirut's southern suburbs had also celebrated Argentina's victory over England in the World Cup semifinal in similar scenes.

Celebrations took place across Lebanon, with fireworks reported in several areas of the country as soon as the match ended. A fight also broke out between Argentina and Spain supporters at a restaurant in Baalbeck, with fans throwing chairs at one another.

The celebrations in support of Spain also carried political significance. Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri told local news website Al-Afdal News that he supported Spain in the World Cup final because its people are "decent people, and their positions are honorable — not only on the political level, but also in their role within UNIFIL, in whose ranks they serve in the South."

Spain is among the few European countries to have recognized the State of Palestine, doing so less than a year after the start of Israel's war on Gaza in October 2023. Argentina, meanwhile, under President Javier Milei, has aligned itself closely with Israel and plans to move its embassy to Jerusalem this year.

Paella and Sangria in Akkar

The Northern district of Akkar has also witnessed huge celebrations, according to our correspondent in the region.

According to our correspondent, a large gathering took place in the outdoor courtyard of the Issam Fares College of Technology at the University of Balamand in Beino, Akkar, where more than 5,000 fans attended the final.

In the Akkar village of Aandqet, the scene was similar, with more than 2,000 people gathering in the stands of the village's Summer Festival. At the end of the game, a Spanish fan cooked the famous Spanish paella dishes live in front of the audience and served them for free, along with Spanish sangria, in celebration of Spain’s victory.

Reporting contributed by our correspondent in the North , Michel Hallak