FIFA Opens New Football Arenas in the West Bank to Support Palestinian Youth

FIFA has broadened its global reach by inaugurating two new FIFA Arena mini-pitches in the West Bank. Situated in Marah Rabah and Qusin, these venues are designed to give Palestinian children a safe place to enjoy football amid ongoing regional difficulties.

Boosting Local Football Through FIFA Arena Initiative

This development aims to strengthen grassroots football across the Middle East. The newly opened mini-pitches lie south of Bethlehem in Marah Rabah and up north in Qusin. This effort is a partnership between world football’s governing body, the Palestine Football Association, and financial support from the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs.

Communities in the West Bank face challenges accessing education, social services, and sports activities. By creating these spaces, FIFA ensures football remains within reach for young Palestinians. One pitch is located in the Thaher Al Thour area opposite Marah Rabah girls’ high school, while the other stands in north-western Qusin.

Unite for Peace Kids Cup Launches New Facilities

To mark the opening, FIFA has started the Unite for Peace: Kids’ Cup, a youth tournament that is already bringing energy to the new pitches. Fourteen local teams, totaling around 160 children, compete in group stages, knockout rounds, quarter-finals, semi-finals, and a final. Alongside matches, community football activities engage nearby villages and towns, fostering a lively atmosphere.

This tournament is part of the broader FIFA Unite for Peace campaign, which uses football to teach values like teamwork, respect, and fair play. These pitches are not just symbolic; they’re actively used year-round. The official inauguration on September 25 will feature a trophy ceremony for participants from the opening week.

Infantino Highlights Football’s Role Amid Hardship

“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.”

His comments underline FIFA's dedication to the Football Unites the World mission, maintaining support in areas where infrastructure can offer real social benefit.

Building a Long-Term Foundation for Palestinian Football

The mini-pitches are part of the international FIFA Arena Programme, which creates durable, safe football spaces worldwide. Along with the pitches, local communities receive football equipment to keep training and organized play alive well beyond the initial event.

This project supports the Palestine Football Association in developing young talent, both male and female, across the region. These sites in Marah Rabah and Qusin mark a major step in the programme’s rollout, following similar openings in South and North America. FIFA focuses on quality surfaces and accessible locations to ensure long-lasting use.