In a groundbreaking turn of events, the Palestinian national football team has etched their name in history by clinching a spot in the third round of the FIFA World Cup qualifiers for the first time. This historic achievement came to fruition after a hard-fought goalless draw against Lebanon in Doha, marking a significant milestone for Palestinian football on the international stage.
Under the leadership of manager Makram Daboub, the Palestinian squad showcased their skill and determination, securing a commendable second-place position in their group and holding a five-point lead over Lebanon with one match remaining. Their remarkable performance propels them into the final qualifying round for the highly anticipated FIFA World Cup 2026.
However, amidst their triumph, the Palestinian Football Association (PFA) has raised poignant questions regarding FIFA’s response to their appeals for action against Israel amidst the ongoing conflict in the region. While FIFA swiftly suspended Russia following its invasion of Ukraine, the organization has delayed Palestinian requests to address Israel’s actions, opting instead to seek legal advice before deliberating on a proposal to suspend Israel from international matches.
Australian authorities have denied entry to the Palestine Football Association’s (PFA) president Jibril Rajoub ahead of the Palestinian team’s World Cup qualifier against Perth’s Socceroos on June 11.