VIET TRI, Vietnam, September 5, 2026 (WAFA) — The Palestine national U-20 team today completed its preparations for a decisive clash with North Korea tomorrow, Sunday, in the third and final round of Group C in the qualifiers for the 2027 AFC U-20 Asian Cup.
The match will be played at Viet Tri Stadium at 12:00 p.m. Jerusalem time, with the young Fidai knowing that 90 minutes stand between them and a chance to reach the Asian finals and write a new chapter in Palestinian football.
Palestine held its final training session in a positive atmosphere and with high morale following its important 2-1 victory over hosts Vietnam in the previous round. The win reshaped the group standings and kept Palestine firmly in contention heading into the final round.
The Fidai had a difficult start to the campaign, putting in a strong performance against Iran in the opening round before losing 2-1. The team responded impressively against Vietnam, however, securing three points and giving itself a genuine chance of competing for qualification.
North Korea, meanwhile, enters the match at the top of the group with a perfect six points. It opened its campaign with a 3-0 victory over Vietnam before coming from behind to defeat Iran 2-1 with a stoppage-time winner. Palestine and Iran each have three points, while Vietnam remain without a point.
Despite the strength of the opposition and the results of the opening two rounds, Palestine’s players head into the decisive encounter with renewed confidence after their victory over Vietnam and with the belief that the opportunity they have fought to keep alive is now within reach.
Head coach Sajed Karakra knows the match will require complete concentration from the opening minute, particularly against a North Korean side that has demonstrated its ability to capitalize on small details and decide matches in their final moments. Palestine, for its part, has shown competitive character in its two previous games and the ability to recover quickly from its opening defeat.
Sunday’s encounter carries added significance, as a victory would take Palestine to six points and give it a strong chance of advancing, either by finishing top of the group depending on the final results and calculations, or through the competition for one of the best second-place qualification spots. Under the qualification format, the eight group winners and the seven best second-placed teams advance to the finals.
M.N
