Australia-Palestine 2026 World Cup Qualifier Moved to Kuwait Amid Middle East Conflict

Neutral Venue Decision Follows Devastating Conflict in the Region, Leaving Thousands Dead and Displaced.

Australia's men's national team is set to play Palestine in a second-round 2026 World Cup qualifier in Kuwait, a neutral venue, on November 21st.
The Asian Football Confederation formally requested the change of venue due to the ongoing conflict in the region.
The match is scheduled just five days after Australia's men's national team opens the second round of Asian qualifying against Bangladesh in Melbourne.
The conflict in the region has been sparked by a deadly attack in southern Israel by Hamas militants on October 7, resulting in an ongoing war.
The relentless conflict has resulted in over 10,300 Palestinian deaths, including two-thirds being women and minors, and has caused more than 250,000 Israelis to evacuate homes near Gaza and Lebanon's borders.