FACT CHECK: Did Palestine qualify for the World Cup?

Verdict: false

The team was confirmed for the final round of World Cup qualifying, not for the World Cup itself.

Checking facts:

Comedian Jerry Seinfeld’s performance was interrupted by an audience member in support of Palestine before it was removed, according to Rolling Stone. Seinfeld mocked the prankster for choosing his show as the venue for the outburst, sarcastically saying “we’re all on your side now,” according to the outlet.

A post shared on

The caption reads: “Palestine qualifies for the FIFA World Cup for the first time.”

The claim is incorrect. FIFA has announced that the qualifications will only be confirmed 2025. The final round will take place in October to November 2025. (RELATED: Image Claiming to Show Trump Statement Saying He Will ‘Save’ Hunter is Fake)

So far, no team has qualified for the World Cup 2026. However, ESPN reported that Palestine had been confirmed for the final round of World Cup qualifying for the first time.

This isn’t the first time misinformation has been shared online. Check Your Fact recently debunked a claim. The Economist published a cover with a crosshairs on Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.