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The Palestine national football team made history by advancing to the final round of World Cup qualification for the first time.
Palestine played their match against Lebanon in Qatar due to security concerns in Gaza. The team secured a 0-0 draw, which was enough to secure second place in their group and advance to the final round.
Palestine is second in their group, five points clear of Lebanon, with one game remaining in the second round of Asian qualifying. The top two teams in each of the nine groups progress to the final qualifying round for the 2026 World Cup.
In other matches that were played, South Korea defeated Singapore 7-0 to advance to the final round, staying on course for an 11th successive World Cup appearance.
China still has work to do after a 1-1 draw with Thailand, with China leading the group and Thailand in third place. Australia, Japan, Iraq, and the United Arab Emirates had already qualified, maintaining their perfect records. India and Afghanistan are in contention for second place in Group A after goalless draws with Kuwait and Qatar, respectively.
Palestine’s coach emphasised the significance of this achievement for the team and the country. Players expressed their joy and pride, dedicating the historic qualification to Palestine
This achievement marks a significant milestone for Palestine, demonstrating their determination and resilience in the face of challenges. As they move forward in the World Cup qualifiers, they will continue to inspire their fans and make their country proud.