Report follows Gaza footballers playing through war losses
Al Jazeera’s The Take episode examines how players, coaches and fans in Gaza are trying to keep football going during the World Cup.
By Daniel Okafor · Business Editor
2 min read
Al Jazeera has released a 23-minute episode on football in Gaza, focusing on players who continue to train and play despite severe losses to their teams and facilities. The program ties their experience to the World Cup taking place across North America, offering a view of the tournament from a place where the sport has been disrupted by war.
The episode, reported from Gaza by Al Jazeera journalist Maram Humaid, says Gaza’s footballers have lost teammates, stadiums and whole seasons. Al Jazeera also says some players have lost limbs, while others continue to practice on damaged pitches and, in some cases, without shoes.
Football under damaged conditions
Al Jazeera frames the episode around the effort by athletes, coaches and fans to keep football alive in Gaza. The program says the game continues despite the loss of playing spaces and the interruption of regular seasons.
The episode also raises the question of why a FIFA rebuilding plan for Gaza football has not advanced. Al Jazeera’s listing does not give further details on the plan, its terms or which parties are involved.
Humaid is identified by Al Jazeera as the reporter for the episode. The program appears as part of The Take, Al Jazeera’s podcast and video series, and was published on June 22, 2026.
Production details
Al Jazeera says the episode was produced by Marcos Bartolomé with Noor Wazwaz, Spencer Cline, Catherine Nouhan and Jana Dabliz, with Malika Bilal as host. Tamara Khandaker and Sarí el-Khalili edited the episode, and Alex Roldan handled sound design.
The Take’s production team is listed as Marcos Bartolomé, Sonia Bhagat, Spencer Cline, Sarí el-Khalili, Tamara Khandaker, Alexandra Locke, Catherine Nouhan, Alex Roldan and Noor Wazwaz. Al Jazeera also lists Jana Dabliz as editorial intern, Adam Abou-Gad and Vienna Maglio as engagement producers, and Andrew Greiner as lead of audience engagement.
Al Jazeera promoted the episode alongside related coverage on Gaza, Palestinian football and sport’s governing bodies. The episode is available through Al Jazeera’s podcast channels and social platforms, according to the broadcaster.
This story draws on original reporting from Al Jazeera.