Palestine's journey to secure a spot in the World Cup finals for the first time showcases their unwavering resolve to rise above the destruction wrought by the Gaza conflict, according to the president of the Palestinian Football Association (PFA), Jibril Rajoub, in an interview with Reuters.
The PFA has faced unprecedented challenges on the field, even before Israel's military operation in Gaza last year. Despite these obstacles, coach Makram Daboub and his team have defied expectations, keeping alive their dream of representing Palestine at the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
"The restrictions on our movement and the oppressive policies by the Israelis have crippled everything," Rajoub stated. "We had to suspend our national league, but we persisted in our participation in competitions, including World Cup qualifiers." He highlighted the severe difficulties in recruiting athletes from Gaza, where numerous sports facilities, clubs, and stadiums have been obliterated.
In the West Bank, the situation is equally dire, with Israeli forces conducting almost daily raids that have led to thousands of arrests and frequent gunfights. Despite these challenges, the expanded 48-team format for the 2026 World Cup presents a rare opportunity for Palestine to compete in the prestigious tournament.
Currently at the bottom of Group B with two points from four matches, Palestine will resume their campaign against Oman in Muscat on November 14, followed by a match against South Korea in Amman, Jordan, five days later. Hosting international matches in Jerusalem has been impossible for the past five years.
"It will never feel like home," Rajoub lamented. "We have the right to host, and we must overcome these challenges with our determination, resilience, and commitment." A World Cup appearance could alleviate some financial burdens, as each team in the 2022 Qatar World Cup received at least $9 million.
Palestine has already achieved some notable results in the third phase of Asian qualifying, including a surprising 0-0 draw with South Korea in Seoul and a draw against Kuwait. While a direct qualification is improbable, a third or fourth-place finish could lead to further playoffs.
"I think they are performing well," Rajoub said. "This is the first time we've reached the third phase despite the circumstances. We don't have a national league, and some athletes have lost their lives or mentors. Psychologically, this affects us, but we continue to play well and remain motivated."
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