The Peninsula
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.
Lebanon players in action during a training session.
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 addition,” Al Battat added.
The Palestine outfit has changed a lot since the two teams last met in UAE in November. Their meeting ended in a goalless draw, but the Palestinian team has been able to strengthen its ranks with several high profile players, adding more pressure to Lebanon ahead of today’s match. Notable among them is the Swedish AIK Stockholm striker Omar Faraj, who had previously represented the Swedish national team before deciding to switch to his home country, same as his compatriot Mustafa Zidane and Al Ahly (Egypt) striker Wissam Abu Ali, who played for youth teams in Denmark.?
Meanwhile, Lebanon will have to be aware of the challenge they will face without injured midfielder-striker Bassel Jradi and defender Ali Tneich, who is suspended due to an accumulation of warnings. Lebanon coach Miodrag Radulovic described their absence as a significant loss for the team
“These two players are essential options and key to our game, consistently making a positive impact in our matches,” Radulovic said.
Radulovic and his men arrived in Doha well in advance to prepare for today’s clash, and the Montenegrin coach stated he is satisfied with all the homework his team has done.
“From the first day in this camp, I was satisfied with the players’ work, their discipline, and the general atmosphere. We know that a big match awaits us. Only a victory will benefits us, and that is what we all need,” Radulovic said.
Lebanon player Omar Chaaban Bughail said, “Our goal is to win the match against Palestine, as it is very important for the country. Our duty on the offensive line is to score goals, and I have shown a good level with my team in England. I want to replicate that with the national team.”
Australia, along with Qatar, Iraq, Iran, Uzbekistan, and the United Arab Emirates, have each clinched their places in the next round, also securing their berths in the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027 Finals.