Football

Omri Airlines: The meteoric rise of Israeli midfielder Gandelman with Italy’s Lecce

Gandelman has transformed into the “new face” of US Lecce in just a few short weeks, a player in the right place at the right time to secure a vital 2-1 victory.

|ByITAY GODER
WHETHER AT the club level for US Lecce or playing for the Israel national team Omri Gandelman has become a reliable contributor and fan favorite.
Fatemeh Pasandideh of Iran during the AFC Women's Asian Cup Group A match between South Korea and Iran at Robina Stadium on the Gold Coast, Australia, March 2, 2026.

Australia to grant visas to five members of Iranian women's soccer team after Trump appeal

The players, who were playing in the Women’s Asian Cup in Australia, stood silent last week during the Iranian national anthem, which was interpreted by hardliners in Iran as a sign of treason.

|ByJERUSALEM POST STAFF
BEITAR JERUSALEM defender Luka Gadrani has brought stability to the club’s back line since arriving from Kairat Almaty, helping the capital side stay in title contention.

Luka Gadrani anchors Beitar Jerusalem’s defense as championship race heats up

Gadrani, who joined the club at the end of September from Kairat Almaty, has been one of the standouts as the Georgian national team defender provides a cool, calm, and collected presence.

|ByJOSHUA HALICKMAN
MACCABI HAIFA goalkeeper Georgiy Yermakov remains in Israel during the league’s wartime pause, while balancing the reality of conflict in both his homeland of Ukraine and his adopted home.

Maccabi Haifa goalkeeper Yermakov’s resolve in uncertain times

Some foreign players have left Israel and plan to return once the situation calms down. Some, like Georgiy Yermakov, have stayed.

|ByJOSHUA HALICKMAN

Iranian women's soccer team refuses to sing national anthem, chess player calls out regime

The players' actions came as Israel continued its war against Iran in the form of Operation Roaring Lion. As the war progressed, Israel successfully eliminated many of the country's leaders.

MARCH 4, 2026ByTZVI JASPER
MEMBERS OF the Islamic Republic of Iran team pose prior to the AFC Women's Asian Cup Group A match between South Korea and Iran at Robina Stadium on the Gold Coast, Australia, March 2, 2026.

Ireland commits to Israel fixtures despite calling for their expulsion

Ireland and Israel will face each other in September and November 2026, home and away. The FAI had requested in November 2025 that Israel be expelled from UEFA competitions.

FEBRUARY 13, 2026ByREUTERS
Barnot Toth of Hungary is challenged by Jack Taylor of Republic of Ireland during the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier match between Republic of Ireland and Hungary at on September 06, 2025 in Dublin, Ireland.

Seattle Seahawks win Super Bowl LX 29-13 over New England Patriots

This was the Seahawks' first Super Bowl appearance since they lost the 2015 Super Bowl to the Patriots in Glendale, Arizona.

FEBRUARY 9, 2026ByJERUSALEM POST STAFF
A detailed view of the Vince Lombardi Trophy during Super Bowl LX Opening Night at San Jose McEnery Convention Center on February 02, 2026 in San Jose, California.

Tech and AI brands drive record Super Bowl LX advertising boom

The average price for a half-minute ad at Super Bowl LX reached a record $8 million, with some slots going for higher than $10 million, far above the $42,000 charged in 1967.

FEBRUARY 8, 2026ByJERUSALEM POST STAFF
The Seattle Seahawks and the New England Patriots logos projected on the Ferry Building.

‘48 points to fight for’: Ronny Deila takes over at Maccabi Tel Aviv

Ronny Deila has been named Maccabi Tel Aviv’s new head coach, bringing championship experience from Europe and the US for the run in.

FEBRUARY 2, 2026ByJOSHUA HALICKMAN
Maccabi Tel Aviv's new head coach Ronny Deila.

“Israel’s team” – could the new England patriots and the NFL come to Jerusalem?

FEBRUARY 1, 2026ByDAVID RABINOWICZ
Despite challenges, there is potential for the NFL to hold a game in Israel with support from Robert Kraft.

Israeli football in 2026 – growth, trends and more

JANUARY 28, 2026ByHANNAH SCHWARTZ
Israeli football continues to go from strength to strength.

West Midlands Police chief steps down over Maccabi Tel Aviv fan ban scandal, offers no apology

CC Craig Guilford offered no apology for the erroneous policing of the Maccabi match, blaming "political and media frenzy" for his departure.

JANUARY 18, 2026ByMATHILDA HELLER
Police officer and security staff look on as protesters display banners before Maccabi Tel Aviv faces Aston Villa, in Birmingham, UK, November 6, 2025

Israel's Manor Solomon enjoying life playing for Fiorentina

Israeli winger Manor Solomon was unveiled as a Fiorentina player, discussing his move to Serie A, differences between leagues, and his focus on football rather than politics.

JANUARY 16, 2026ByJERUSALEM POST SPORTS STAFF
Manor Solomon of ACF Fiorentina looks on during the Serie A match between ACF Fiorentina and AC Milan at Artemio Franchi on January 11, 2026 in Florence, Italy.

Iranian filmmaker Javad Ganji killed in Tehran protests, anti-regime data shows

Iranian filmmaker Javad Ganji, 39, was shot during protests in Tehran's Sadeghiyeh area, according to Hengaw and the National Council of Resistance of Iran's data.

JANUARY 14, 2026ByJAMES GENN
Iranian filmmaker Javad Ganji, believed to be killed during a protest in Tehran, in an undated picture.