Palestine scored twice in the final minutes of Group C qualifiers for a historic 2-1 victory over Iraq in Jordan.
Palestine lived through hopes of reaching their first FIFA World Cup final with a dramatic late comeback after beating Iraq 2-1 in Jordan.
Tuesday’s victory was also Palestine’s first in this stage of Asian qualifying for the global soccer showpie tournament, at Amman International Stadium, the capital of Jordan.
Ayman Hussein’s gaze header from Ibrahim Beish’s cross in the 34th minute seemed to have sealed the Iraqi tie, but Abou Ali headed the Leveler home for two minutes of normal time.
Ameed Mahajneh then created history by heading from corner to corner of Adam Kaied. Same setup and assist as Palestine’s first goal – seven minutes of injury time.
Both Bayesh and Ali could find a Palestinian net.
This victory puts Palestine in fifth place with six points from the bottom of Group B, with one point and first place above Kuwait.
One of the favourites of progress from the group, Iraq is third with 12 points.
The top two countries of each of the remaining three six-team groups are currently 16 and 13 points in Group B, Korea and Jordan, respectively, and are automatically qualified for the 2026 World Cup.
The sides finished third and fourth progression into further playoff stages for the place in next year’s tournament. This is being performed jointly by the US, Canada and Mexico.
The historic result is that Palestine will play two games with four points left in fourth place Oman.
They will then face a trip to the group’s bottom Kuwait on June 5th, and Oman will entertain Jordan on the same day.
In the final round of the group stage fixture on June 10th, we are looking at Palestinian host Oman in Jordan. This could be a straight showdown in the fourth spot by then.
Palestine was eliminated by the final Champions Qatar in the second round after reaching the knockout stage of the Asian Cup for the first time in the 2023 tournament.
The goal that has maintained the Palestinian World Cup is hoping to be alive. #plevirq pic.twitter.com/pgfbwc5gtz
– #Asianqualifiers (@AfcasianCup) March 25, 2025
