Spain‑Belgium World Cup quarter‑final honors Almería fire victims, prompting match screen cancellations

Municipalities in Almería cancelled the giant‑screen broadcast of the Spain vs Belgium World Cup quarter‑final as a sign of mourning for the victims of the Los Gallardos forest fire. The match opened with both teams observing a minute of silence, described as "guardaron un minuto de silencio" in tribute to the deceased.

The wildfire, declared on 9 July, left at least 12 dead and 23 missing, many of them foreign nationals, and investigators suspect a fallen power‑line as the source. Nearby towns offered emergency resources and shelters for those affected.

In Mallorca, the council of Santa Maria del Camí initially planned to project the match during local festivities but reversed the decision after resident complaints, also cancelling the broadcast. These actions reflect a broader pattern of public screenings being halted in respect for the tragedy.