“The entire squad is happy and proud to have reached the third round of the Asian qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup, and thus the responsibility and our ambition have become greater and everyone is excited to continue achieving such positive results, said Daboub.

“Our target is to confirm the distinguished level that we showed during the second round of the Asian qualifiers as well as the 2023 AFC Asian Cup finals in Qatar.”

Palestine created history in both competitions, advancing to the knockout stage of the AFC Asian Cup for the first time and also sealing a historic berth in the third round of the AFC Asian Qualifiers.

“We have also confirmed our spot in the 2027 AFC Asian Cup, which will be a third consecutive appearance for us. This is certainly the result of the great effort and teamwork by the players, technical, training, administrative, medical and media staff, as well as the support of the Palestinian Football Association, headed by Lieutenant General Jibril Rajoub, who in turn pays great attention to the national team to achieve results that honour Palestinian football in all continental and international tournaments.

“We also must credit the fans for their support despite the difficult circumstances that Palestine is currently experiencing.”

Daboub, however, is realistic about what Palestine can hope to achieve in the AFC Asian Qualifiers – Road to 26.

“Frankly speaking, reaching this stage of the qualifiers is a great achievement in itself, but we always have great ambition to compete strongly. Our goal at this stage will be to compete to snatch one of the direct qualification cards to the World Cup finals.

“If we fail to achieve that, our next goal will be to finish in the top four in our group to continue competing by qualifying for the fourth round of the qualifiers.”

Palestine have spent several days in Kuala Lumpur preparing for the Korea Republic clash and will return to the Malaysian city for Tuesday’s clash against Jordan.

“Preparations for these qualifiers were difficult and complicated, especially since this stage comes during the break between the two seasons, in addition to the fact that most of the national team players are without clubs, especially in light of the suspension of the local league throughout the past season as a result of the Israeli aggression against the Palestinian people.

“However, we are trying to overcome the difficulties we face and rely on the available players, especially the professionals, in order to achieve the results we aspire to.”

Despite the hardship faced, Daboub said Palestine are determined to start their campaign on a high note.

“The first match against Korea will be very difficult, especially since they will be playing on their home ground and among their fans, and they are considered among the best teams in the Asian continent and have high-level players who play for the most important international clubs.

“Our goal will definitely be to achieve a positive result, especially since this round of the qualifiers is long and we will play 10 matches, so every match and point will be very important for us.

“As for the second match against Jordan, it will be a home match for us, although we will not be able to play on our home ground and among our fans due to the difficult circumstances that Palestine is going through.
“We have chosen Malaysia to play our second match against the Jordanian team, and I hope that we will achieve a positive result that will please the Palestinian fans. I certainly have great confidence in the players to give their best despite the great difficulties that we face at this stage on several levels.”