Palestine invited by China for September/October friendlies
Palestine could participate in five team tourney in Chongqing against East and Central Asian opposition
The South China Morning Post reported earlier this week that China has bowed out of an invitation to take part FIFA’s ASEAN Cup in favor of hosting its own friendly tournament.
The details of said tournament have come to light and they will involve four other national teams. Palestine is amongst the invitees alongside Korea DPR, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. The tournament will be played in the newly combined September-October window but exact dates and kickoff times have yet to be revealed.
The selection of opponents was designed to help China get used to the styles they will face in Group C of the Asian Cup. China will face Iran, Syria, and Kyrgyz Republic in January.
Palestine will only face Arab opposition in Group A but given that Palestine has already faced Saudi Arabia, Oman, and Kuwait in June and December 2025 the aim will be to get reacquainted with other footballing schools.
Since November 2023, Palestine has played fifteen competitive matches against West Asian opponents. That list includes Iraq (2), Jordan (2), Kuwait (2), Lebanon (2), Oman (2), Qatar (2), Saudi Arabia (1), Syria (1) , UAE (1).
None of the other federations have publicized their participation. Several media outlets have reported that Uzbekistan will play South Korea on October 6th- throwing their participation into doubt. It’s worth noting that Uzbekistan and North Korea will face each other in Group B of the Asian Cup.
Should Palestine and China both finish as a runners-up in their Asian Cup groups the two will meet in the Round of 16 in Riyadh on January 22nd.