FIFA Unveils New Football Arenas in West Bank to Support Palestinian Youth
FIFA has expanded its global infrastructure by launching two new FIFA Arena mini-pitches in the West Bank, located in Marah Rabah and Qusin. These facilities provide Palestinian children with secure areas to enjoy football amid ongoing regional difficulties.
Boosting Grassroots Football in Palestine
These modern mini-pitches, positioned south of Bethlehem in Marah Rabah and northwest of the West Bank in Qusin, are a product of collaboration between FIFA, the Palestine Football Association, and funding from the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs. Access to sports, education, and social services is challenging for many West Bank communities. These arenas offer dedicated spaces where the next generation can play and develop their football talents. One pitch lies opposite the Marah Rabah girls’ high school in Thaher Al Thour, while the other serves the Qusin area.
Unite for Peace: Kids’ Cup Launches New Era
To mark the openings, FIFA launched the Unite for Peace: Kids’ Cup, a youth tournament involving 14 local teams and roughly 160 children. The competition includes group stages, quarter-finals, semi-finals, and a final match. Besides competitive play, community football activities engage nearby villages and towns, promoting sport as a unifying force.
This event is part of the broader FIFA Unite for Peace campaign, which uses football to teach values like teamwork, respect, and fair play. The pitches are immediately active, not just symbolic. An official inauguration on September 25 will include the trophy ceremony celebrating the young players’ achievements.
FIFA President Highlights Football's Role Amid Challenges
“The value of these FIFA Arena facilities will be measured by what happens on the pitches day in, day out,” said FIFA President Gianni Infantino. “For children living in communities where life is often disrupted by restrictions and uncertainty, having a place where they can play football, meet their friends and take part in organised sport matters more than ever. Particularly as we mark the International Day of Peace, we hope these FIFA Arenas will serve their communities for many years to come.”
This reflects FIFA's dedication to the Football Unites the World mission, emphasizing continuous support in regions needing infrastructure that creates social benefits.
Creating a Lasting Impact for Palestinian Football
The mini-pitches form part of the global FIFA Arena Programme, which builds safe, durable football environments worldwide. Alongside the venues, communities receive essential football gear to maintain training and matches beyond the tournament.
These developments aim to support the Palestine Football Association’s long-term plans, fostering both male and female young talent. The openings in Marah Rabah and Qusin mark important progress for the initiative, joining recent launches across South and North America. The use of weather-resistant surfaces and accessible locations ensures the pitches will handle heavy use over time.
