Kurdistan may not be a recognized state, nor is it a member of FIFA, but its influence on the world stage of football is undeniable. The Confederation of Independent Football Associations (CONIFA) hosts the World Football Cup for non-sovereign states and stateless peoples, providing a platform for groups like the Kurds, who number around 40 million globally but lack their own nation-state.

This year's World Cup has seen an unexpected highlight through the talents and celebrations of Kurdish players, particularly German forward Deniz Undav. Undav, who hails from a Kurdish-Yazidi family that migrated from Turkey to Germany following the 1980 coup, has become a symbol of Kurdish pride. With a performance matching the likes of Lionel Messi, Undav has delivered impressive goal contributions, tying in the tournament’s leaderboard.

Deniz Undav’s celebrations have drawn significant attention, especially his use of the traditional Kurdish govend dance after scoring critical goals, such as the dramatic stoppage-time winner against Côte d'Ivoire. This celebration not only highlights his heritage but also resonates deeply within the Kurdish community, as detailed by our corporate cousins at *Bild* in their exploration of Undav’s goal celebrations with his club team, VfB Stuttgart.

The World Cup also holds a different kind of significance for many Kurds this year. The early exit of Turkey from the tournament brought unexpected joy to Kurdish fans, given the contentious relations between the Kurdish population and the Turkish government. Kurdish social media turned into a virtual cheering squad for any team facing Turkey, celebrating each loss as a symbolic victory.

Despite not having their team on the pitch this year due to a suspension from CONIFA, the spirit of Kurdish football is alive and well. The Kurdistan Football Association's suspension has halted their participation in international events within CONIFA, leaving it uncertain when the Kurdish team will next compete.

Nevertheless, the presence and performance of Kurdish players like Deniz Undav in the World Cup serve as a powerful reminder of the resilience and pride of the Kurdish people. Their celebration of cultural identity and achievement in international sports underscores an enduring spirit, transcending the political challenges of nationhood.