Palestine have lost their latest 2026 World Cup qualifier against Australia. The match was moved from the occupied West Bank to Kuwait because of the war in Gaza. But despite being away from home, the stadium was full of symbolism for the Palestinian people – and the team’s fans. 

Kuwait City

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared that Israel is 'at war' following a surprise attack from Gaza by Hamas militants.

Israel-Gaza War

Palestine team lose 1-0 to Australia in World Cup qualifier

They came to this FIFA World Cup qualifier in their thousands to raise awareness. Fans dressed in the traditional black and white Czech keffiyeh carrying the Palestinian flag were there to show support for the players but also to protest against Israel's war on Gaza. I'm going to be supporting Palestine because we think that this game is a venue for us to protest against the genocide that's happening now in Gaza and the occupation. We were given these toys at the gate from two guys and they asked us to throw them to the court at 7.10 in support of the children that have been killed in Palestine. I'm Kuwaiti and we should come here because this is a humanitarian issue and a lot of people have been dying so we're coming here to support our brothers. It was a match full of symbolic gestures. The Palestinian team wore their keffiyehs during the national anthems and both teams observed a minute of silence for those killed in the war. The Australian players have also shown their support by pledging a portion of their match fees towards humanitarian efforts in Gaza. It was Australia who went ahead early, Harry Soutar heading the ball in from a corner. Just before the break, Moussa Batat nearly equalised for Palestine, forcing Australian keeper Matty Ryan into action. Australia ultimately came away with the 1-0 victory, but the Palestinian team delivered their message loud and clear. Of course today we played for our people in Palestine. That was the cause for our game today. We just think that when we play these type of matches, these type of big matches, the first thing that we think about, especially with what's happening right now, this situation over there, and we say sorry to all our fans in Palestine, sorry we couldn't win. The main message is we exist. We are here, we're living human beings who exist and we have the freedom to play and to enjoy the game of football. Many people don't know that Palestine is here. We are here. The Palestinian team may have lost this match, but they've shown tenacity and resilience playing against a backdrop of war. Perhaps most importantly for their fans, they've raised the voice of Palestinians on a world stage. Joanna Giedrowska, Al Jazeera, Kuwait City.

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Council of the City of Sydney

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Israel-Gaza War