When Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022, FIFA moved fast. Within days, the Russian Football Association was suspended from all competitions, including World Cup qualifiers.
Palestine’s footballers have not received the same consideration. Gaza’s sports infrastructure lies in ruins, hundreds of players are dead, and the Palestinian national team has been forced to play “home” matches thousands of miles away. FIFA’s response has been to let the qualifiers proceed as normal, with Israel’s membership intact.
The human cost behind the pitch
The Palestinian Football Association has reported staggering losses since the escalation that began in October 2023. According to the association, 231 registered players and 65 children involved in football have been killed.
Beyond the human toll, the physical infrastructure that makes competitive football possible has been destroyed. Palestine’s 2026 World Cup qualification campaign wrapped up on June 10, 2025, with the team having played its home fixtures in Kuwait, Jordan, and Qatar.
