DUBAI: Arab celebrities have been taking their football fandom to Instagram as supporters across the region rally behind the national teams competing at the FIFA World Cup.
Among the most prominent voices is Palestinian Chilean singer Elyanna, who has enjoyed a particularly high-profile tournament. The 24-year-old performer took part in Canada’s opening ceremony in Toronto, sharing the stage with a host of international artists as the tournament kicked off across North America. Her appearance marked another milestone for the singer, who became the first artist to perform a full set in Arabic at Coachella in 2023 and has since built a global following while remaining committed to Arabic-language music.
Away from the stadium, Elyanna has also used social media to celebrate Arab participation in the competition, joining regional stars cheering on their national teams.
She took to Instagram on Wednesday to celebrate Iraq’s goal against Norway, although Norway ended up winning the game 4-1.
Palestinian Jordanian singer Zeyne and Jordanian actor Andria Tayeh have both shown support for Jordan on Instagram, sharing posts backing the team as they seek to make an impact on football’s biggest stage.
Jordan lost 3-1 to Austria in Group J but, despite the defeat, forward Ali Olwan scored the first-ever goal for Jordan at a World Cup, making it a momentous occasion that Tayeh was quick to celebrate on Instagram Stories.
“We’re proud of you no matter the result. You’ve made us proud, and hopefully the next one will be even better,” she wrote.
Meanwhile, Moroccan Dutch Egyptian model Imaan Hammam has once again thrown her support behind Morocco. The fashion star, who has previously attended major international tournaments and famously celebrated Morocco’s historic run to the semifinals at the 2022 World Cup, has continued to champion the Atlas Lions online.
Morocco entered the tournament carrying the hopes of many Arab football fans after becoming the first Arab and African nation to reach the last four at a World Cup four years ago.
Hammam posted after the team’s draw against Brazil: “We showed the world who we are. So proud of this team. To the players, keep making us proud!!”
