In a compelling journey that spanned 16 games amidst the turmoil of war, Oday Dabbagh and his Palestinian team saw their World Cup dreams vanish abruptly. Although their hopes of a first-ever World Cup appearance ended dramatically with a contentious penalty in the dying moments at the King Abdullah II Stadium in Amman, their legacy remains intact.
Emotions ran high as players departed the field in tears last Thursday, stunned fans looked on, grappling with the abrupt end to their campaign. “It’s very hard,” reflected Dabbagh, the team’s eminent striker. “Reaching the next stage meant everything to us. We were ready, the atmosphere was positive, and the support was immense. We put our hearts into it, only for it to vanish in an instant.”
The Palestinian team, ranked 101st globally, needed a trifecta of victories in their final Group B matches to secure playoff spots for Asia’s World Cup qualification. Triumphing over Iraq in Basra in March, and Kuwait in Kuwait City on June 5, they were edging towards securing their place, leading Oman 1-0 in Jordan during the 97th minute. However, the game took a dramatic turn when Oman equalized with a penalty, concluding the game at 1-1.
Despite the despondency, the Palestinian Football Association lodged a formal complaint with FIFA post-match regarding the penalty, though it did not alter the qualification outcome. “We aimed to bring joy to Palestinians who endure great pain,” expressed head coach Ihab Abujazar. “Our valiant players symbolize pride and beauty in the Palestinian nation.”
A notable challenge faced by the team was the inability to play home matches in Gaza or the West Bank due to the Israel-Hamas conflict. Consequently, they hosted several qualifying games in Amman, Jordan, where a substantial Palestinian community resides. “Playing at home is always preferable,” shared Dabbagh, reminiscing on his Scottish Cup victory with Aberdeen. “Amman is our best alternative given the circumstances, and it feels somewhat like home due to the familiar faces and support.”
The ongoing conflict has halted domestic soccer in Palestinian territories since 2023, claiming over 55,000 lives, including athletes, and damaging sports facilities. “The situation deeply saddens us,” Dabbagh noted. “Football becomes a refuge, a way to inspire and bring hope to Palestine amid the turmoil.”
With most players contracted to international clubs, the team has had training camps in Algeria, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia to prepare for qualifying. The third round of qualifications provided direct World Cup spots to the top two teams from each Asian group, while third and fourth place faced playoffs. Had Palestine won, they would have clinched a playoff spot, but the draw left them a point short behind Oman.
With the World Cup dream postponed, focus now shifts to the 2027 Asian Cup in Saudi Arabia, for which the Palestinian team has already qualified. Determined to remain a formidable force in Asian soccer and represent their people, Dabbagh vowed, “We will continue using football to project the rich tapestry of life in Palestine. Our journey is not over; it’s simply delayed.”