American Patrick McGrann is organizing a World Cup of all his own, a 16-team tournament that he hopes will bring some normalcy to Gaza, the besieged strip of land, where 1.6 million Palestinians live.

The event kicks off May 2 and the teams will feature Palestinians and foreigners representing 16 countries -- the USA opens against Serbia. It's hoped the competition will jumpstart soccer in Palestine, where soccer has suffered because of the political fight between Fatah and Hamas and travel restrictions imposed by Israel.

McGrann, who grew up in Minnesota, has spent time in Ethiopia, Sudan, Kenya and New Guinea. He teaches at the University College of Applied Sciences. His tournament has received support from the United Nations Development Program and FIFA.