Anti-Israel messages have become a recurring theme in soccer stadiums across Europe and beyond, especially since the October 7 Hamas terror attack and the subsequent war. But during the FIFA Club World Cup, one of the most vocal protests came from an unexpected source: the American team Seattle Sounders.
The demonstration took place at the start of the second half of Seattle’s 2–0 loss to Paris Saint-Germain on Monday, in the final match of Group B. Sounders fans waved numerous Palestinian flags and chanted “Free Palestine” before taking the flags down several minutes later.
This wasn’t the first time Sounders fans expressed support for Palestinians and protested the war in Gaza. In the team’s previous group-stage matches—against Atlético Madrid and Botafogo—they also waved Palestinian flags and displayed a banner reading “Show Israel the red card,” mirroring a protest by Celtic fans during last season’s Champions League. Fans also created visual displays symbolizing Gaza’s casualties, including piles of clothes meant to represent victims of Israeli airstrikes.
Sounders supporters have long identified as political activists on various issues. During matches, they have also held signs protesting the partnership between Major League Soccer (MLS) and FIFA, as well as banners condemning racism and calling to “tax the rich.”
It remains to be seen whether FIFA will take disciplinary action against Seattle, given its strict prohibition on political messaging during football matches. Celtic, for example, has been fined multiple times by UEFA for similar conduct.
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On the pitch, Seattle lost all three of its Club World Cup matches, finishing last in Group B with zero points and a goal difference of two scored and seven conceded. In MLS, however, the team is faring better, currently sitting sixth in the Western Conference, nine points behind first-place Vancouver.