Iraq is seeking to relocate their World Cup qualifier against Palestine, scheduled for next month, from Amman, Jordan. They have declined a Palestinian proposal to play the match just outside Jerusalem. The last international match held in Palestinian territories occurred in October 2019, forcing Palestine to host their subsequent “home” fixtures in neutral locations such as Qatar, Jordan, Kuwait, and Malaysia.
The Group B match is set for March 25, with FIFA proposing Amman as a neutral venue after Iraq rejected the idea of playing in Palestine. The Iraqi Football Association (IFA) has formally requested FIFA to consider a different city for the match, arguing that playing in Amman violates FIFA’s own regulations regarding neutral venues. They expressed concerns about fairness and integrity in this closely contested group, where Iraq currently ranks second with 11 points, just ahead of Jordan, which has 9 points.
The Palestine Football Association (PFA) has expressed disappointment in Iraq’s refusal to facilitate the match at Faisal Al-Husseini International Stadium in Al-Ram, Jerusalem. The PFA stated that FIFA and the Asian Football Confederation had previously inspected the stadium and agreed it was suitable for the match, contingent upon Iraqi approval.
This situation highlights the ongoing struggles within regional sports logistics and governance, particularly in a politically sensitive environment. Both teams are engaged in a fierce competition to qualify for the 2026 World Cup finals in North America, with only the top two spots in the group advancing.
As tensions over venue selection simmer, fans remain hopeful for a resolution that allows the competitive spirit of football to prevail. This moment not only represents a chance for these nations to showcase their talent but also underscores the unifying power sports can have amidst broader geopolitical challenges.
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