Thousands of miles from the World Cup in North America, Yemen is experiencing its own football revival. For the first time since 2014, the Yemen National League has resumed, with matches played in Sanaa between teams from areas controlled by different factions in the country's 12-year civil war.
First Match in a Decade
In a stadium in the ancient city of Sanaa, hundreds of fans gathered to watch Wahda Sanaa, based in Houthi-controlled territory, face Shaab Hadramout, from a province held by a Saudi-backed coalition and separatists. The match featured the traditional exchange of pennants and a referee's whistle, scenes many had despaired of ever seeing again.
Mohammed Abu Ghalib, a player for Hilal Hudayda, said, "Everyone is happy and delighted to see Yemeni soccer back in action. God willing, soccer is a message of peace for the Yemeni people."
A Semblance of Normalcy
The league's return offers a rare moment of unity in a war that has made one of the world's poorest countries even poorer. Sport journalist Mohammed Al-Qasemi noted, "When you attend a match and see such large crowds, you see that the Yemeni people long for everything that is beautiful."
The truce signed in 2022 has held firm enough since May to allow the league's resumption. However, reminders of the war are everywhere: sports facilities across Sanaa are badly damaged and unfit for use.
Hope for the Future
Tunisian commentator Issam Chaouali said the revival marks a return not just to sport but to life itself. "It will be a message of hope, a touch of life, and a joy that fans who have been patient and waited ... deserve."
Ghalib believes the league will inspire younger players and benefit the national team. Nabih Naser, the Houthi government's deputy sports and youth minister, has ambitious plans to develop sport and train young talent, but funding is limited. He hopes the league's success will encourage private sector investment. "We need to develop Yemeni sports across all federations," he said. "More than 30 federations, including soccer."
