Israel National Team

Visa denials and protests shadow FIFA as World Cup kicks off

Iran’s World Cup delegation says FIFA has failed to secure US entry for several officials, with 15 federation members denied visas ahead of the tournament, urging compliance with its rules.

|ByREUTERS
Team IR Iran Airport Arrival - FIFA World Cup 2026 TIJUANA, MEXICO - JUNE 07: Members of the Iranian national soccer team including midfielder Alireza Jahanbakhsh (R) arrive at Tijuana International Airport on June 7, 2026 in Tijuana, Mexico. The team's World Cup participation has been complicated
A wonderful career. Bibars photographed wearing the Israeli national team uniform

Former Israeli national soccer captain Bibars Natcho retires from the sport

Israeli soccer legend and former national team captain Bibars Natcho announces retirement, saying "My journey has come to an end."

|ByWALLA! SPORTS, SPORTS SYSTEM 1
TAI BARIBO finds the net for D.C. United, emblematic of a new wave of Israeli soccer stars thriving on American soil.

Star-Spangled exodus: How MLS became a Mecca for Israeli soccer stars

The era of the “Yored” is dead; the era of the “Ambassador” has arrived. And this season is the final proof that Israeli soccer has found itself a new home.

|ByITAY GODER
AT JUST 16, Or Divan has skipped the natural order of Israeli soccer. From scoring over 100 goals in a season to her time in the World Cup qualifiers, the striker is proving that greatness doesn’t wait for age.

Desert diamond: Or Divan and the new dawn of Israeli women’s soccer

Divan is a rare talent in the local landscape, her superb aerial game making her a constant threat on high balls, completing the profile of a truly modern and well-rounded player.

|ByITAY GODER

Israel set for pivotal World Cup qualifiers against Norway, Italy

With key road tests at Norway and Italy, Ben Shimon’s squad aims to keep World Cup dream alive.

OCTOBER 10, 2025ByJOSHUA HALICKMAN
IF ISRAEL can somehow win both of its upcoming World Cup qualifiers at Norway and Italy this weekend, it will place itself in great position to advance.

Israel beats France, then loses to Brits to open Baseball Euros

In his typical no-nonsense style, Fish called the win a total team effort, saying “everyone in the line-up contributed in some way.”

SEPTEMBER 21, 2025ByDANNY GROSSMAN
TEAM ISRAEL veteran Robb Paller's grand slam turned the game around for the blue-and-white, while starter Justin Alintoff (inset) kept the Israelis in it until the team's bats woke up in their come-from-behind 8-4 victory over France at the European Baseball Championship in Rotterdam.

Israel beats Moldova 4-0, gets key win to aim for playoffs in WC Qualifiers round

With goals from Dror Peretz, Manor Solomon, Tai Baribo, and Oscar Gloukh, Israel left Moldova with three points and a good form to face Italy on Monday.

SEPTEMBER 6, 2025ByJERUSALEM POST STAFF
The World Cup qualifier soccer match between Moldova and Israel at Zimbru Stadium in Chisinau, Moldova, September 5, 2025.

Deni Avdija, Yam Madar lead Israel to first win over France since 1997

It was a historic night for Israel at EuroBasket as Avdija, Madar, and Ginat led the team to a thrilling win over France.

SEPTEMBER 1, 2025ByJOSHUA HALICKMAN
ISRAEL FORWARD Deni Avdija led all scorers with 23 points as the blue-and-white pulled off a surprise conquest of France last night to improve to 2-1 at EuroBasket.

Blue-and-White eyes second win as World Cup qualifying heats up

The team that will face Estonia will be composed of some of the veteran Israeli players as well as a number of up-and-coming stars.

JUNE 6, 2025ByJOSHUA HALICKMAN
OSCAR GLOUKH, still just 21, is expected to play a key role in Israel’s World Cup qualifier tonight at Estonia and in the following friendly against Slovakia.

Ben Shimon preps Israel squad for World Cup qualifiers vs Estonia, Slovakia

The blue-and-white team aims to improve its record of one win and one loss, seeking another victory against the Estonians, whom they defeated in March.

MAY 29, 2025ByJOSHUA HALICKMAN
ISRAEL COACH Ran Ben Shimon had to make a number of difficult roster decisions ahead of the upcoming international window of contests.

From the pitch to our hearts: The life and legacy of beloved Gadi Kinda

“This is the biggest tragedy to hit the club since the death of Avi Ran in 1987,” said a senior official at Maccabi Haifa.

MAY 22, 2025ByJERUSALEM POST SPORTS STAFF
Gadi Kinda – pictured above in 2023 during his MLS tenure with Sporting Kansas City – passed away this week at 31, with the Israeli midfielder leaving a legacy of talent, humility, and grace both on and off the field.

Former Israel National Team player Gadi Kinda dies at 31

Kinda had been battling a serious medical condition for the past several weeks, and had received several messages of support from the Israeli soccer community.

MAY 20, 2025ByOPHIR SAAR, SHLOMO WEISS
AA Gent's Stefan Mitrovic in action with Maccabi Haifa's Gadi Kinda on February 15, 2024.

Maccabi Tel Aviv: A legacy of Holocaust remembrance through three generations

Maccabi Tel Aviv’s Rafi Menco opens up about his family’s Holocaust history, the meaning behind the club’s yellow jersey, and what it means to carry their legacy forward.

APRIL 24, 2025ByJOSHUA HALICKMAN
THE GRANDSON of Holocaust survivors, Maccabi Tel Aviv and Israel forward Rafi Menco carries memory, pride, and resilience into every game.

Israel edges Estonia 2-1 to start 2026 World Cup qualifiers with a win

Eli Dasa’s first international goal secures Israel’s 2-1 victory over Estonia in World Cup qualifying match.

MARCH 24, 2025ByJOSHUA HALICKMAN
ISRAEL DEFENDER Eli Dasa (right) scores his side’s second goal past Estonia ’keeper Matvei Igonen in the 75th minute of the blue-and-white 2-1 World Cup qualification victory at Nagyerdei Stadion in Debrecen, Hungary.