Friendly matches between the Palestinian national team against Mauritania and Benin, due to be played in Morocco later this month, have been canceled due to the conflict in the Middle East, the Palestinian Football Association (PFA) said on Thursday.
The decision comes amid widespread travel disruption in the region due to the US-Israeli attacks on Iran, which have affected air traffic through several major transit hubs in the Gulf and led to airport closures for security reasons.
Coach Ihab Abu Jazar’s side were due to play Benin on March 27 before meeting Mauritania four days later as part of preparations for the 2027 Asian Cup, to be hosted by Saudi Arabia.
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“The Palestinian Football Federation has announced that the senior national team will not be able to participate in the friendly training camp organized by the Kingdom of Morocco,” the PFA said in a statement.
The association cited regional conditions, travel difficulties and airport closures, adding that it had failed to make the logistical arrangements necessary for the delegation to travel.
“The safety of the players and the technical and administrative staff remains our top priority,” it said.
Most of the players in the Palestinian squad are based in the Gulf leagues and may experience difficulties in traveling under the current circumstances.
Football activities have also been disrupted elsewhere in the region.
Published on March 20, 2026
