Palestine to Train in Doha Ahead of World Cup Qualifiers
Team preps for crucial matches against Jordan and Iraq under new coach
The Palestinian national football team is heading to Doha for a training camp in preparation for the next round of FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifiers.
With key matches against Jordan and Iraq on the horizon, the camp will serve as a vital opportunity for new head coach Ehab Abu Jazar to solidify his squad.
Building a Stronger Team
Doha was chosen as the training location due to its proximity to key Palestinian players, many of whom currently play in leagues across Qatar, Jordan, and Libya. According to Football Palestine, the camp will include Abu Jazar’s new coaching team and an initial group of players.
Among the expected call-ups are eight players currently competing in the Qatar Stars League, including national team captain Musab Battat. Others include Milad Termanini (Al Wakrah), Alaa Aldeen Hassan (Al Arabi), Ataa Jaber (Qatar SC), Yaser Hamed Mayor (Al Gharafa), and Al Rayyan duo Amid Mahajna and Mohammed Saleh. Goalkeeper Rami Hamadeh, who plays for Al Markhiya, is also set to join.
While Qatar-based players can attend tactical meetings, they must secure club approval before participating in full training sessions.
A New Era Under Abu Jazar
The March 20 clash against Jordan in Amman will mark Palestine’s first match under Abu Jazar, who took over from Makram Daboub in December. Daboub led the team to a historic knockout stage appearance at the AFC Asian Cup and secured Palestine’s first-ever berth in the third round of World Cup qualifiers.
While Abu Jazar is expected to retain the core squad from the previous regime, he hinted at fresh call-ups, including Swedish-Palestinian winger Adam Kaied from Dutch club NAC Breda. Additional recruits may come from Palestine’s U-23 and U-20 teams, which Abu Jazar previously coached.
Playing Through Adversity
This will be Palestine’s first international fixture since Israel’s military onslaught on Gaza was paused following a Qatar-mediated ceasefire in January. Despite efforts to host their home qualifier against Iraq on March 25 at the Faisal Al-Husseini Stadium in Jerusalem, the proposal was denied.
As the team regroups in Doha, their focus remains on making history in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers—one step at a time.
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