Palestine started their 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign with a surprising goalless draw against South Korea in Seoul. This result continued the rise of Palestinian football, following their historic qualification for the knockout stage of the AFC Cup earlier in the year. Despite facing a strong South Korean team, Palestine held their own and managed to keep a clean sheet.
South Korea, with star players like Son Heung-min, were unable to break through the Palestinian defense, with goalkeeper Rami Hamadeh making some crucial saves. Despite the odds stacked against them, Palestine came close to scoring themselves, with Oday Dabbagh and Son hitting the post in the dying minutes.
In the qualifying group, South Korea, Iraq, and Jordan are seen as strong favorites to secure the two automatic spots for the 2026 World Cup. Palestine, along with Oman and Kuwait, are considered distant outsiders. However, there is still a chance for Palestine to qualify through the playoffs if they finish as one of the best third or fourth-placed teams in the group stage.
Due to the conflict in Gaza, Palestine is playing their home matches abroad and many players are without a club. The 2026 World Cup will be held across Canada, Mexico, and the United States, with the final taking place in the US. Despite the challenges, Palestine’s draw against South Korea is a testament to their determination and passion for the game.
Source
Photo credit www.aljazeera.com