The controversial 95th minute penalty ended Palestine’s dream of competing in the 2026 World Cup

The Palestinian team officially lost its chances to qualify for the FIFA World Cup in 2026.

Fans and observers are outraged by the manner in which Ihab Abu-Jazar’s team was eliminated.

On Tuesday evening, Palestine played its final Group B match against Oman in what was officially a ‘home’ game.” “Home” is a relative word, since the match was held at King Abdullah II Stadium Amman in Jordan. This was because football in Palestine has been made impossible by the current conflict.

The penalty in the 95th minute that ended Palestine’s hope

Palestine’s victory would have earned them fourth place and a slot in the AFC’s fourth qualification round. The AFC’s fourth round of qualification will see two groups of three players formed. The winners of each group earn tickets to the World Cup 2026, which is hosted by the USA.

Oday Kharoub put Palestine in the lead with a goal in the 49th minute. In the 73rd, Harib Al Saadi was reduced to 10 players, which made it even better for Palestine.

The Lions of Canaan, with momentum on their sides, were headed towards a historic win. Disaster struck in minute 95.

Following a VAR analysis, the Iranian referee Mooud Bonyadifard referred to a seemingly innocent play. The tugging of an Omani attacker’s shirt while a deep free-kick was being taken as a foul. Here is the video:

جنوووووووووووووووووووووووووون pic.twitter.com/5yA2uqV8Fz

— مجيد يغطي المنتخبات @MMajeedx (@mmtv4009) June 10, 2025

Issam Abhi, an Omani striker converted in the final minute.

Comments online that are rude

As the final whistle blew, Palestinian players fell to their knees and cried out in shock. Oman won the fourth and crucial place, and advanced. The group finished with 11 points – one more than Palestine.

On Reddit, many fans expressed anger over the penalty decision. One person wrote: “My streaming quality was terrible but it did not look like any penalty to me at all.” Some fans added: “I’m trying to believe VAR but it looks so shaky,” as well as “It was not a penality.”

However, there were some observers who tried to find an excuse: “There appeared to be some contact between the Omani player and the opponent’s legs, but the contact appears as though the attacker initiated it.” The more I watch the worse it seems.”

Another user said: “The attacker may fall because the defender stepped on his heel, but it is not enough.”

Palestine is not in. Six teams from Asia have already qualified to compete in the FIFA World Cup 2026: Japan, Iran Uzbekistan South Korea Jordan Australia. Palestine will be forced to wait another four years at least for a second chance.

Read here more sports news.