Palestinian Team's Historic Leap: Aiming to Host World Cup Qualifiers Amid Conflict

The Palestinian soccer team, advancing in World Cup qualifying, seeks to host games on home soil in the Israeli-occupied West Bank. Despite ongoing conflict, they have already secured support from opponents like Jordan. Their aim is to transition from staging games in neutral venues to playing at home, starting with a match against Jordan on September 10.

The Palestinian soccer team has reached a significant milestone in World Cup qualifying and aspires to host matches on their home soil in the Israeli-occupied West Bank. This initiative has garnered support from several opponents, including Jordan, aiming to begin on September 10.

The team overcame remarkable challenges during the Israel-Hamas conflict, playing their 'home' games in Kuwait and Qatar. PFA's deputy president, Susan Shabali, emphasized that neutral venues were never a permanent solution. The 12,500-capacity Faisal Al-Husseini International Stadium in Al Ram is deemed ready to host the matches.

With no objections from FIFA or the Asian Football Confederation, and additional endorsements from the Oman Football Association and other entities, the Palestinians are set to face Jordan as their first home game since 2019 in the World Cup qualifiers for 2026.

(Disclaimer: With inputs from agencies.)