Roots, Ronaldo and regional rivalries: How Israelis choose their World Cup favorites

Israeli fans are selecting their World Cup favorites in the absence of a national team, with their choices shaped by various factors including personal roots, diplomatic relationships, and regional rivalries. The ongoing conflict and sentiments towards countries perceived as hostile also heavily influence these preferences.

Fans express complex emotions toward international teams, such as support for players like Cristiano Ronaldo, while grappling with their national identity and connections to teams shaped by geopolitical contexts.