Palestine head coach Makram Daboub said he is "determined to raise the Palestinian flag and win" before his side began their 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign against Lebanon in Sharjah. Palestine have never qualified for a men"s football World Cup and the team want to offer their people some hope during the ongoing Israel-Hamas war. "We as players hope a win could be the simplest message and the simplest duty to the Palestinian people in these difficult circumstances," added midfielder Musab Al-Battat. "As players, we wish victory for the Palestinian people." The game ended in a goalless draw, a positive result for Palestine as they look to reach the third round of qualifying. Their next match is against Australia in Kuwait on Tuesday.