Palestine's October 2026 World Cup Qualifier Matches are confirmed.
Palestine's national football team is set for two crucial 2026 World Cup Qualifier matches in October. The first match will see Palestine face Iraq in Basra, Iraq. The second, originally rumoured to be held in the West Bank, will take place at the Jassem bin Hamed Stadium in Doha, Qatar, with Palestine as the nominal home team against Kuwait.
This arrangement reflects ongoing geopolitical challenges in the region. The decision to relocate the Kuwait match to Qatar indicates that neither Palestine nor Israel are likely to host international matches in the near future. These fixtures represent essential steps in Palestine's quest for World Cup qualification and highlight the complex interplay between sports and politics in the Middle East.
Latest Developments in Israel/FIFA case
In a recent press release, the Palestine Football Association (PFA) announced it has received an independent legal assessment regarding its proposal to sanction the Israeli Football Association for alleged violations of FIFA statutes and international law. The PFA expressed appreciation for FIFA's handling of the matter and reaffirmed its right to develop football across Palestinian territories, including the West Bank, Gaza, and East Jerusalem. The PFA awaits a final decision, expected to be reviewed by the FIFA Council on October 3rd, which could have significant implications for Palestinian football's future in international competitions.
Photo courtesy: The Palestinian Football Association
As Israel visits Oslo for a key World Cup qualifier, Norway braces for protests, politics, and a tense weekend on and off the pitch. Uri Levy reports from Oslo.