Palestinian Sports Fans' Rooting Practices and Preferences: A case Study of the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.

Objective: This study explores the motivations and justifications driving Palestinian sports fans to watch the 2022 FIFA World Cup and support specific national teams. The objective is to understand the underlying factors that contribute to their engagement with this global sports event. Methods: The study targeted 732 residents of Nablus Governorate with a primary interest in watching football matches on television. A five-point Likert scale was used to assess Palestinian fandom preferences concerning the FIFA World Cup 2022, covering demographic information and reasons motivating Palestinians to watch the World Cup. Results: The study reveals several significant associations between the variables under investigation. Participants argued that the FIFA World Cup serves as a platform to generate interest in the Palestinian cause and showcase the Arab and Islamic cultures to foreign delegations. Additionally, the event contributes to dispelling misconceptions about these cultures on a global scale. Palestinian football supporters use their engagement with the 2022 FIFA World Cup to express not only their passion and love for football but also their national, cultural, and political identities. Conclusion: The findings underscore the multifaceted nature of sports fandom as a means of communication, contributing to a broader understanding of how global sports events intersect with cultural and political dynamics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]