An Argentina supporter places an arm around a Spain supporter during the World Cup final screening at the Beirut Sports Festival, Beirut Waterfront, on July 19, 2026. (Photo Credit: Melissa Manouchakian/L’Orient Today)
Outside packed Beirut pubs, supporters wait for valet attendants with Spanish and Argentine flags still draped over their shoulders. Inside, waiters in football jerseys begin clearing tables as the last fans make their way out. Spain has just defeated Argentina 1-0 in the 2026 World Cup final. Across Beirut, the match has mobilized far more than supporters gathered around television screens. The army, municipal workers, event organizers, restaurant managers, and valet attendants all kept the night moving. By Monday morning, the flags had largely disappeared, and the city had returned to its usual rhythm. The World Cup, which had occupied screens, conversations, and summer nights for a month, was over.Before kickoff, Mar Mikhael’s streets were relatively quiet. Restaurants and pubs that weren’t screening the final appeared noticeably...
Outside packed Beirut pubs, supporters wait for valet attendants with Spanish and Argentine flags still draped over their shoulders. Inside, waiters in football jerseys begin clearing tables as the last fans make their way out. Spain has just defeated Argentina 1-0 in the 2026 World Cup final. Across Beirut, the match has mobilized far more than supporters gathered around television screens. The army, municipal workers, event organizers, restaurant managers, and valet attendants all kept the night moving. By Monday morning, the flags had largely disappeared, and the city had returned to its usual rhythm. The World Cup, which had occupied screens, conversations, and summer nights for a month, was over.Before kickoff, Mar Mikhael’s streets were relatively quiet. Restaurants and pubs that weren’t screening the final appeared...
In infographics: How 4 months of Israeli attacks and war devastated Lebanon