Palestinian clubs return to football with Thousand Martyrs Cup
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 22, 2026, 3:32 PM
Last updated Sep 22, 2026
Football in Palestine resumed with the Thousand Martyrs Cup at al-Khader Stadium, marking the first organized competition in nearly three years. The event featured Arab Orthodox Beit Jala and Dheisheh Youth teams. The tournament is named to honor over 1,000 athletes killed since October 2023 amid ongoing military conflict. Despite significant challenges from military restrictions, over 200 clubs are participating across the West Bank, Gaza, and Lebanese refugee camps, signaling a cautious return to competitive play for Palestinian teams.
- •The Thousand Martyrs Cup is the first competition since October 2023.
- •Over 200 clubs are actively playing across various regions.
- •The event honors athletes killed during ongoing military conflicts.
- •Teams face logistical challenges due to military restrictions.
- •Players adapt to returning to competition after significant interruptions.
- 3:32 PMYahoo Sports — The return of Palestinian football: ‘We are a people who must live’
"The Martyrs’ World Cup brings Palestinian football back after nearly three years, despite military restrictions.
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