Oman Advances, Palestine Out After Late VAR Penalty

Oman secured their place in the fourth round of the AFC Asian Qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a dramatic 1-1 draw against Palestine, thanks to a stoppage-time penalty converted by Issam Al Subhi. Palestine had taken the lead in the second half through Oday Kharoub and seemed set to advance, but a late VAR-awarded penalty changed the outcome. Oman played the final minutes with ten men after Harib Al Saadi was sent off, yet managed to equalize and claim the crucial point. The match, played in Jordan due to conflict in Gaza, ended Palestine's hopes for a first-ever World Cup appearance. Oman now joins teams such as UAE, Qatar, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, and Indonesia in the next qualification round. The result sparked celebration for Oman and heartbreak for Palestine.