Doha: Palestine will be aiming to create history by progressing past the second round of the FIFA World Cup qualifiers for the first time when they take on Lebanon in the joint qualifiers in Doha today. The match will kick off at 7:00pm at the Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium. With seven points in their account, gained through two wins and a draw, Palestine are placed second in Group I which is led by Australia (12 points), while Lebanon are third with two points earned through two draws.
Bangladesh are fourth in the group with just one point and have already lost their chances of advancing. A draw against Lebanon will be more than sufficient for Palestine to secure their place in the third round of the World Cup qualifiers and confirm their ticket to a fourth consecutive AFC Asian Cup Finals. On the other hand, Lebanon must win their remaining two matches, including today’s fixture and Tuesday’s match against Bangladesh, to keep their hopes alive.
Palestine coach Makram Daboub said his team was targeting a win. “We respect the Lebanon but our objective is to win to officially qualify for the 2027 Asian Cup and the third stage of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers,” Daboub told a pre-match press conference at Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium yesterday. Palestine captain Musab Al Battat said the match against Lebanon is crucial.
The seasoned midfielder added the team is eyeing to advance in the qualifiers. “Palestine have good elements in the team, and the new names will be a strong addi.
