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Israel national football team

From Wikipedia - Reading time: 26 min

This article is about the men's team. For the women's team, see Israel women's national football team.

Israel
Shirt badge/Association crest
Nickname(s)התכולים-לבנים (The Skyblue and Whites)
הנבחרת (The Chosen Team)
AssociationIsrael Football Association (IFA)
ConfederationUEFA (Europe; 1980–81; 1991–present)
OFC (Oceania; 1985–89)
AFC (Asia; 1954–74)
Head coachRan Ben Shimon
CaptainEli Dasa[1]
Most capsYossi Benayoun (101)[a]
Top scorerEran Zahavi (35)
Home stadiumVarious Stadiums
FIFA codeISR
First colours
Second colours
FIFA ranking
Current 81 Decrease 2 (24 October 2024)[2]
Highest15 (November 2008)
Lowest99 (January 2018)
First international
 Egypt 5–0 Mandatory Palestine 
(Cairo, Egypt; 4 April 1930)
as the State of Israel:
 US Olympic Team 3–1 Israel 
(New York, United States; 26 September 1948)
Biggest win
 Israel 9–0 Chinese Taipei 
(Wellington, New Zealand; 23 March 1988)
Biggest defeat
 Germany 7–1 Israel 
(Kaiserslautern, Germany; 13 February 2002)
World Cup
Appearances1 (first in 1970)
Best resultGroup stage (1970)
Asian Cup
Appearances4 (first in 1956)
Best resultChampions (1964)
Asian Games
Appearances2 (first in 1958)
Best result2nd place, silver medalist(s) Silver Medal (1974)
Medal record
AFC Asian Cup
Silver medal – second place 1956 Hong Kong Team
Silver medal – second place 1960 South Korea Team
Gold medal – first place 1964 Israel Team
Bronze medal – third place 1968 Iran Team
Asian Games
Silver medal – second place 1974 Iran Team

The Israel national football team (Hebrew: נבחרת ישראל בכדורגל, romanized: Nivḥeret Yīsrāʾēl BeḴaduregel) represents Israel in men's international football, and is governed by the Israel Football Association. They have been members of the European Confederation UEFA since 1994.

Israel qualified for the FIFA World Cup for the first time in 1970. They also won the 1964 AFC Asian Cup, before a forced relocation to UEFA.

History

[edit]
Main articles: History of the Israel national football team and Mandatory Palestine national football team

Early history

[edit]

Football has a long tradition in Israel. The game was originally introduced during the time of the Ottoman Empire. The Palestine Football Association was formed in August 1928, and joined FIFA in June 1929, but at the time the association was made up of Arab and Jewish clubs as well as clubs of British policemen and soldiers serving in the region during the British Mandate. The Mandatory Palestine national football team made its debut against Cairo (Egypt) in 1934 FIFA World Cup qualification, losing 0–5 in Cairo, Egypt. The team played five international matches, including a friendly match against Lebanon that Palestine won 1–5; until the British Mandate for Palestine national team was dissolved. During these five games, the national team fielded only Jewish players. Three anthems were played before each match: the British "God Save the King", the Jewish (and future Israeli) "HaTikvah", and the opposing team's anthem.[4]

In 1948 the team became the national football team of Israel.[5] The Israel national team's first match as an independent nation was on 26 September 1948, against the US Olympic Team. The game was won by the US 1–3, and in the 20th minute of the game Shmuel Ben-Dror scored the first goal after the creation of the State of Israel.

Asian Football Confederation membership

[edit]
See also: Muslim and Arab World boycott, Mediterranean Games boycott, and AFC boycott
Israel winning the 1964 AFC Asian Cup

Muslim and Arab countries boycotting Israel

[edit]

Israel was one of the founding members of the AFC (Asian Football Confederation) following its independence in 1948.[6] After the 1974 Asian Games in Iran, and Israel's 0–1 tense loss to Iran in the finals,[7] Kuwait and other Muslim and Arab countries refused to play them. Following this, Israel was expelled from the confederation. It tried to join continental bodies such as the OFC (Oceania), before eventually joining UEFA (Europe).[8]

Israel's last years in the AFC

[edit]

Israel competed at the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) between 1954 and 1974. Due to the Arab League boycott of Israel, several Muslim countries refused to compete against Israel. The political situation culminated in Israel winning the 1958 World Cup qualifying stage for Asia and Africa without playing a single game, forcing FIFA to schedule a playoff between Israel and Wales to ensure the team did not qualify without playing at least one game (which Wales won).

Israel hosted and won the 1964 AFC Asian Cup.

In 1968, Israel went to its first Olympic Games and lost to Bulgaria in the quarterfinals.

1970's Israel national team at the Bloomfield Stadium of Tel Aviv, Israel

In 1969, Israel qualified for its first and only FIFA World Cup, via Asia/Oceania. Israel earned two points after a 1–1 draw with Sweden, a 0–0 draw with eventual finalist Italy, and a 0–2 loss to Uruguay. The goal against Sweden, scored by Mordechai Spiegler, is Israel's only FIFA World Cup goal to date.

In 1974, Israel was excluded from AFC competitions, after Kuwait and other Muslim and Arab countries refused to play against it. The proposal was adopted by a vote of 17 to 13 with 6 abstentions.[9][8] The vote coincided with the 1974 Asian Games, where the football competition was marred by the refusal of both North Korea[10] and Kuwait to play second-round matches against Israel.

In 1976, Israel went to its second Olympic Games and lost in the quarterfinals again, this time against Brazil. In 1973 and 1977, Israel participated in the World Cup qualification tournament which included teams from both Asia and Oceania, but failed to qualify.

Years in exile

[edit]

First steps in UEFA

[edit]

During the early 1980s, Israel played the majority of its matches against UEFA (Europe) teams, and competed in the European stage of qualification for the 1982 FIFA World Cup.

Ronny Rosenthal playing for Israel at the 1990 FIFA World Cup qualification (Oceania) against New Zealand

First steps in OFC

[edit]

For the next two tournaments, Israel entered Oceania's (OFC) qualification stage.

In 1989, Israel won the OFC second round (Oceania) by finishing above both Australia and New Zealand. As a result, Israel made it to the CONMEBOL–OFC play-offs to represent Oceania and play against CONMEBOL's (South America) Colombia for the 1990 World Cup, but lost (1–0, 0–0).

UEFA membership

[edit]

In 1991, Israeli clubs began participating in European club competitions of UEFA, and Israel returned to the European leg of World Cup qualifying in 1992. In 1994, Israel received full UEFA membership, 20 years after it had left Asia. Within Europe, Israel has been a relatively minor nation, though with some successes, notably winning 3–2 in Paris against France in 1993, and 5–0 against Austria in 1999. That year, Israel made it to the UEFA Euro 2000 qualifying play-offs, but was beaten by Denmark.

Israel came close to advancing to the playoff stage in their 2006 World Cup qualifying group, finishing third, behind France, and tied on points with Switzerland, which also remained unbeaten in 10 matches after 4 wins and 6 draws. The Swiss had a better goal difference, though, and advanced to the qualification play-off. Coach Avram Grant announced his resignation on 26 October 2005. After the end of his contract, he was succeeded by Dror Kashtan.

In UEFA Euro 2008 qualifying, Israel came very close to qualifying for the final tournament, but finished fourth in Group E, just one point behind second-placed Russia, who qualified directly with Croatia, and level on 23 points with England, who also failed to advance. The 4–3 home loss to Croatia was the first loss after 13 consecutive official games and 9 home games without a loss.

In 2010 FIFA World Cup qualification, Israel again came in fourth, behind Switzerland, Greece, and Latvia. For the UEFA Euro 2012 qualifying campaign, Kashtan was replaced as coach by Frenchman Luis Fernández but Israel failed to qualify again, finishing third behind Greece and Croatia.

The continued presence of the Israeli Football Association in UEFA was a precedent cited by Australia to justify its transfer from the Oceania Football Confederation to the Asian Football Confederation.[11]

In 2018, Willi Ruttensteiner was appointed as technical director. A national football academy was founded and three supporting development centers were established.[12]

Israel subsequently failed to qualify for any World Cup or European Championship finals, and performed inconsistently during the qualifying phases in which they took part, alternating between the good and the not-so-good. However, in the qualifiers for Euro 2020, they came very close to making history. Despite finishing 5th and penultimate in their particularly homogeneous qualifying group, Israel earned the right to play in the play-offs thanks to their position in the 2018-2019 edition of the Nations League. They first had to play in the semi-final of the Path C play-off in Scotland to earn the right to play in the final of the play-off in Serbia, which defeated Norway away in extra time. The game was tight, and the Israelis were finally eliminated in a penalty shoot-out after a goalless draw in regulation time and extra time (0–0, 3:5), Eran Zahavi having missed the first Israeli shot.

Promoted to League B for the 2020-2021 edition of the Nations League without having finished top of their group in the previous edition, thanks to the change of format subsequently decided by UEFA, Israel ensured their survival by finishing 3rd and penultimate in their group, with a balanced record of 2 wins, 2 draws and 2 defeats. At the 2022-2023 Nations League, Israel finished top of its 3-team group (Russia, which should have taken part, was excluded from European and international competitions due to its aggression against Ukraine), thanks to 2 wins over Albania (2–1 in both legs) and 2 draws against Iceland (2–2 on each occasion), synonymous with promotion to League A for the 2024-2025 edition.

In the Euro 2024 qualifiers, Israel was again eliminated at the play-off stage, as in the previous edition. Indeed, they finished 3rd in their qualifying group and saw their place in the play-offs assured thanks to their status as group winners at the 2022-2023 Nations League. Against Iceland in the semi-finals of the play-offs for Path B, they opened the scoring with Eran Zahavi's 31st-minute penalty, but failed to hold on to their advantage and were soundly beaten (1–4). The turning points of the match were Roy Revivo's 73rd-minute red card for a crude foul, and Eran Zahavi's penalty miss 7 minutes after the red card, when the score was 1–2.

Home stadium

[edit]

The first home game of the Israel national football team was at Palms Ground on 6 April 1934 against Egypt in a 1934 World Cup qualifier. Prior to the formation of Israel, they also played at the Maccabi Ground for the 1938 FIFA World Cup qualifiers and Maccabiah Stadium. The first national team to represent the newly formed State of Israel back in 1948, had played at the Ramat Gan Stadium as part of 1954 FIFA World Cup qualification, in front of 55,000 spectators. The Ramat Gan Stadium would remain Israel's home stadium until 2013.

Since the construction of Sammy Ofer Stadium in the city of Haifa, Teddy Stadium in the city of Jerusalem, Turner Stadium in the city of Be'er Sheva, Netanya Stadium in the city of Netanya and Bloomfield Stadium in the city of Tel Aviv – the Israel national team has rotated their official home matches between the latter five.

During the Israel–Hamas war, Israel played most of their home matches in Hungary.

Active stadiums

[edit]
Matches Image Stadium Capacity Location First match Last match
51
UEFA 		Bloomfield Stadium 29,400 Tel Aviv, Israel 17 May 1964 12 September 2023
14
UEFA 		Teddy Stadium 31,733 Jerusalem, Israel 12 February 1992 19 June 2023
12
UEFA 		Sammy Ofer Stadium 30,942 Haifa, Israel 16 November 2014 2 June 2022
9
UEFA 		Netanya Stadium 13,610 Netanya, Israel 6 February 2013 29 March 2022
4
UEFA 		Turner Stadium 16,126 Be'er Sheva, Israel 14 October 2018 12 October 2021

Inactive stadiums

[edit]
Matches Image Stadium Capacity Location First match Last match
137 Ramat Gan Stadium 41,583 Ramat Gan, Israel 8 March 1954 15 October 2013
3 Maccabiah Stadium 20,000 Tel Aviv, Israel 30 July 1949 28 October 1950

Kit suppliers

[edit]
Kit supplier Origin Period
Umbro United Kingdom 1970
Diadora Italy 1992–1995
Adidas Germany 2008–2018
Puma Germany 1985–1989
1996–2008
2018–2024

Results and fixtures

[edit]
See also: Israel national football team results (2020–present)

The following is a list of match results in the last 12 months, as well as any future matches that have been scheduled.

  Win   Draw   Loss   Fixture

2024

[edit]
21 March 2024 UEFA Euro 2024 qualifying play-offs Israel  1–4  Iceland Budapest, Hungary[note 1]
20:45
  • Zahavi 31' (pen.)
 Report
Stadium: Szusza Ferenc Stadion
Attendance: 1,226
Referee: Anthony Taylor (England)
8 June 2024 Friendly Hungary  3–0  Israel Debrecen, Hungary
18:00
Report Stadium: Nagyerdei Stadion
Attendance: 19,900
Referee: Cláudio Pereira (Portugal)
11 June 2024 Friendly Belarus  0–4  Israel Budapest, Hungary[note 2]
18:00 UTC+2 Report
Stadium: Szusza Ferenc Stadion
Referee: Tamás Bognár (Hungary)
6 September 2024 2024–25 UEFA Nations League Belgium  3–1  Israel Debrecen, Hungary[note 3]
20:45 (21:45 UTC+3)
Report (UEFA)
Stadium: Nagyerdei Stadion
Attendance: 0[14][note 3]
Referee: Michael Oliver (England)
9 September 2024 2024–25 UEFA Nations League Israel  1–2  Italy Budapest, Hungary[note 1]
20:45 (21:45 UTC+3)
Report (UEFA)
Stadium: Bozsik Aréna
Attendance: 2,090
Referee: Ivan Kružliak (Slovakia)
10 October 2024 2024–25 UEFA Nations League Israel  1–4  France Budapest, Hungary[note 1]
20:45 (21:45 UTC+3)
Report (UEFA)
Stadium: Bozsik Aréna
Attendance: 2,226
Referee: Nikola Dabanović (Montenegro)
14 October 2024 2024–25 UEFA Nations League Italy  4–1  Israel Udine, Italy
20:45 (21:45 UTC+3)
Report (UEFA)
Stadium: Dacia Arena
Attendance: 11,700
Referee: Ricardo de Burgos Bengoetxea (Spain)
14 November 2024 2024–25 UEFA Nations League France  0–0  Israel Saint-Denis, France
20:45 (21:45 UTC+3) Report (UEFA) Stadium: Stade de France
Attendance: 16,611
Referee: Tobias Stieler (Germany)
17 November 2024 2024–25 UEFA Nations League Israel  1–0  Belgium Budapest, Hungary[note 1]
20:45 (21:45 UTC+3)
Report (UEFA) Stadium: Bozsik Aréna
Attendance: 675
Referee: Sebastian Gishamer (Austria)

Coaching staff

[edit]
Ran Ben Shimon is the current official head coach of Israel.
As of 23 May 2024.[15][16]
Position Name
Head coach Israel Ran Ben Shimon
Assistant coach Israel Amir Schelach
Israel Gal Cohen
Fitness coach Israel Eran Shedo
Israel Matan Shoshani
Goalkeeping coach Israel Itay Zilpa
Analyst Israel Adar Rosenberg
Israel Maayan Bahalul
Technical manager Israel Roy Reinschreiber
Israel Avi Levi
Head doctor Israel Ehud "Udi" Kaufman

Coaching history

[edit]
As of 23 May 2024.[17][18]

Players

[edit]

Current squad

[edit]

The following players were called for 2024–25 UEFA Nations, on 14 and 17 November 2024 against France and Belgium; respectively.[25][26]

Caps and goals are correct as of 18 November 2024, after the match against Belgium.[27][28][29][30]

No. Pos. Player Date of birth (age) Caps Goals Club
1 1GK Daniel Peretz (2000-07-10) 10 July 2000 (age 24) 4 0 Germany Bayern Munich
18 1GK Roi Mishpati (1992-11-23) 23 November 1992 (age 32) 0 0 Israel Maccabi Tel Aviv
23 1GK Yoav Gerafi (1993-08-29) 29 August 1993 (age 31) 4 0 Israel Hapoel Haifa
2 2DF Eli Dasa (captain) (1992-12-03) 3 December 1992 (age 31) 65 0 Russia Dynamo Moscow
3 2DF Sean Goldberg (1996-08-25) 25 August 1996 (age 28) 17 0 Israel Maccabi Haifa
4 2DF Raz Shlomo (1999-08-13) 13 August 1999 (age 25) 16 2 Israel Maccabi Tel Aviv
5 2DF Idan Nachmias (1997-03-17) 17 March 1997 (age 27) 9 0 Israel Maccabi Tel Aviv
12 2DF Ilay Feingold (2004-08-23) 23 August 2004 (age 20) 2 0 Israel Maccabi Haifa
14 2DF Nikita Stoinov (2005-08-24) 24 August 2005 (age 19) 0 0 Israel Maccabi Netanya
2DF Sagiv Yehezkel (1995-03-21) 21 March 1995 (age 29) 9 0 Israel Maccabi Tel Aviv
6 3MF Omri Gandelman (2000-05-16) 16 May 2000 (age 24) 4 1 Belgium Gent
8 3MF Dor Peretz (1995-05-17) 17 May 1995 (age 29) 47 6 Israel Maccabi Tel Aviv
9 3MF Dia Saba (1992-11-18) 18 November 1992 (age 32) 13 3 Israel Maccabi Haifa
11 3MF Dolev Haziza (1995-07-05) 5 July 1995 (age 29) 18 0 Israel Maccabi Haifa
15 3MF Oscar Gloukh (2004-04-01) 1 April 2004 (age 20) 18 3 Austria Red Bull Salzburg
16 3MF Mohammad Abu Fani (1998-04-27) 27 April 1998 (age 26) 27 2 Hungary Ferencváros
17 3MF Dan Biton (1999-04-23) 23 April 1999 (age 25) 3 0 Israel Hapoel Be'er Sheva
20 3MF Ethan Azoulay (2002-05-26) 26 May 2002 (age 22) 2 0 Israel Maccabi Haifa
22 3MF Mahmoud Jaber (1999-10-05) 5 October 1999 (age 25) 10 0 Israel Maccabi Haifa
3MF Gabi Kanichowsky (1997-08-24) 24 August 1997 (age 27) 16 1 Israel Maccabi Tel Aviv
7 4FW Yarden Shua (1999-06-16) 16 June 1999 (age 25) 1 1 Israel Beitar Jerusalem
10 4FW Manor Solomon (1999-07-24) 24 July 1999 (age 25) 41 7 England Leeds United
13 4FW Anan Khalaily (2004-09-03) 3 September 2004 (age 20) 9 0 Belgium Union SG
19 4FW Dor Turgeman (2003-10-24) 24 October 2003 (age 21) 7 0 Israel Maccabi Tel Aviv
21 4FW Dean David (1996-03-14) 14 March 1996 (age 28) 6 1 Israel Maccabi Haifa
4FW Tai Baribo (1998-01-15) January 15, 1998 (age 26) 18 3 United States Philadelphia Union
4FW Liel Abada (2001-10-03) 3 October 2001 (age 23) 15 1 United States Charlotte FC
4FW Guy Melamed (1992-12-21) 21 December 1992 (age 31) 3 1 Israel Hapoel Haifa

Recent call-ups

[edit]

The following players have also been called up to the Israel squad within the last twelve months.[when?]

Pos. Player Date of birth (age) Caps Goals Club Latest call-up
GK Omri Glazer (1996-03-11) 11 March 1996 (age 28) 17 0 Serbia Red Star Belgrade v.  Italy, 14 October 2024
GK Shareef Keouf (2001-06-25) 25 June 2001 (age 23) 0 0 Israel Maccabi Haifa v.  Italy, 14 October 2024
GK Omer Nir'on (2001-04-17) 17 April 2001 (age 23) 0 0 Israel Maccabi Netanya v.  Italy, 9 September 2024
GK Gad Amos (1988-12-24) 24 December 1988 (age 35) 0 0 Israel Maccabi Bnei Reineh v.  Andorra, 21 November 2023
DF Denny Gropper (1999-03-16) 16 March 1999 (age 25) 8 0 Bulgaria Ludogorets Razgrad v.  Italy, 14 October 2024
DF Matan Baltaxa (1995-09-20) 20 September 1995 (age 29) 2 0 Israel Hapoel Be'er Sheva v.  Italy, 14 October 2024
DF Roy Revivo (2003-05-22) 22 May 2003 (age 21) 6 0 Israel Maccabi Tel Aviv v.  Italy, 9 September 2024
DF Ofri Arad (1998-09-11) 11 September 1998 (age 26) 10 0 Kazakhstan Kairat v.  Belarus, 11 June 2024
DF Gil Cohen (2000-11-08) 8 November 2000 (age 24) 0 0 Israel Beitar Jerusalem v.  Belarus, 11 June 2024
DF Uri Dahan (1999-12-07) 7 December 1999 (age 24) 0 0 Israel Beitar Jerusalem v.  Belarus, 11 June 2024
DF Ofir Davidzada (1991-05-05) 5 May 1991 (age 33) 19 0 Israel Maccabi Tel Aviv v.  Iceland, 21 March 2024
DF Miguel Vítor (1989-06-30) 30 June 1989 (age 35) 12 0 Israel Hapoel Be'er Sheva v.  Iceland, 21 March 2024
DF Stav Lemkin (2003-04-02) 2 April 2003 (age 21) 3 0 Israel Maccabi Tel Aviv v.  Andorra, 21 November 2023
DF Avishay Cohen (1995-06-19) 19 June 1995 (age 29) 1 0 Israel Maccabi Tel Aviv v.  Andorra, 21 November 2023
MF Ramzi Safouri (1995-10-21) 21 October 1995 (age 29) 17 1 Turkey Antalyaspor v.  Italy, 14 October 2024
MF Eliel Peretz (1996-11-18) 18 November 1996 (age 28) 2 0 Israel Hapoel Be'er Sheva v.  Italy, 14 October 2024
MF Neta Lavi (1996-08-25) 25 August 1996 (age 28) 22 0 Japan Gamba Osaka v.  Italy, 9 September 2024
MF Dan Glazer (1996-09-20) 20 September 1996 (age 28) 21 1 Russia Pari Nizhny Novgorod v.  Belarus, 11 June 2024
MF Gadi Kinda (1994-03-23) 23 March 1994 (age 30) 10 2 Israel Maccabi Haifa v.  Belarus, 11 June 2024
MF Mohammed Kna'an (2000-01-14) 14 January 2000 (age 24) 3 1 Israel Ashdod v.  Belarus, 11 June 2024
MF Roei Gordana (1990-07-06) 6 July 1990 (age 34) 2 0 Israel Hapoel Be'er Sheva v.  Belarus, 11 June 2024
MF Goni Naor (1999-04-23) 23 April 1999 (age 25) 2 0 Israel Hapoel Tel Aviv v.  Belarus, 11 June 2024
MF Yoav Hofmayster (2000-12-25) 25 December 2000 (age 23) 1 0 Poland Korona Kielce v.  Belarus, 11 June 2024
MF Eden Shamir (1995-06-25) 25 June 1995 (age 29) 1 0 Israel Maccabi Petah Tikva v.  Belarus, 11 June 2024
MF Ofek Bitton (1999-09-27) 27 September 1999 (age 25) 0 0 Israel Hapoel Jerusalem v.  Belarus, 11 June 2024
MF Ido Shahar (2001-08-20) 20 August 2001 (age 23) 0 0 Israel Maccabi Tel Aviv v.  Iceland, 21 March 2024
MF Tomer Yosefi (1999-02-02) 2 February 1999 (age 25) 0 0 Israel Hapoel Be'er Sheva v.  Iceland, 21 March 2024
MF Eden Kartsev (2000-04-11) 11 April 2000 (age 24) 6 0 China Shenzhen Peng City v.  Andorra, 21 November 2023
FW Omri Altman (1994-03-23) 23 March 1994 (age 30) 2 0 Greece Volos v.  Belarus, 11 June 2024
FW Alon Turgeman (1991-06-09) 9 June 1991 (age 33) 2 0 Israel Hapoel Be'er Sheva v.  Belarus, 11 June 2024
FW Eran Zahavi (1987-07-25) 25 July 1987 (age 37) 74 35 Israel Maccabi Tel Aviv v.  Iceland, 21 March 2024
FW Shon Weissman (1996-02-14) 14 February 1996 (age 28) 33 6 Spain Granada v.  Andorra, 21 November 2023
FW Idan Gorno (2004-08-09) 9 August 2004 (age 20) 4 0 United States Crown Legacy v.  Andorra, 21 November 2023

INJ Withdrew due to injury or illness
PRE Preliminary/extended squad
RET Retired from the national team
SUS Serving suspension due to either a red card, or two accumulated yellow cards
WD Player withdrew from the squad due to neither injury nor illness issue
U21 Player withdrew from the squad to play for the national under-21 team

Records

[edit]
Main articles: List of Israel international footballers and Israel national football team records and statistics
As of 18 November 2023.[31]
Players in bold are still active with Israel.
Statistics include official FIFA-recognised matches only.

Most capped players

[edit]
Yossi Benayoun is Israel's most capped player with 101 appearances – also both Israel's current Professional manager and Technical manager.
Rank Name Caps Goals Career
1 Yossi Benayoun[a] 101 23 1998–2017
2 Tal Ben Haim[b] 95 2 2002–2017
3 Arik Benado 94 0 1995–2007
4 Alon Harazi 88 1 1992–2006
Bibras Natcho 88 4 2010–2023
6 Amir Schelach 85 0 1992–2001
7 Avi Nimni 80 17 1992–2005
8 Eyal Berkovic 78 9 1992–2004
Dudu Aouate 78 0 1999–2013
10 Tal Banin[c] 77 12 1990–2003

Top goalscorers

[edit]
Eran Zahavi is Israel's top scorer with 35 goals.
Rank Name Goals Caps Ratio Career
1 Eran Zahavi
list) 		35 74 0.47 2010–present
2 Mordechai Spiegler[d] 24 57 0.42 1964–1977
3 Ronen Harazi 23 52 0.44 1992–1999
Yossi Benayoun[a] 23 101 0.23 1998–2017
5 Nahum Stelmach[e] 19 45 0.42 1956–1968
6 Alon Mizrahi 17 37 0.46 1992–2001
Tomer Hemed 17 38 0.45 2011–2019
Eli Ohana[f] 17 50 0.34 1984–1997
Avi Nimni 17 80 0.21 1992–2005
10 Yehoshua Feigenbaum[g] 15 36 0.42 1966–1977
Mu'nas Dabbur 15 40 0.38 2014–2022

Competitive record

[edit]

FIFA World Cup

[edit]
Main article: Israel at the FIFA World Cup
See also: 1986 FIFA World Cup qualification (OFC) and 1970 FIFA World Cup qualification (AFC and OFC)
FIFA World Cup record Qualification record
Year Round Pos Pld W D L GF GA Squad Outcome Pld W D L GF GA Confederation
As  Mandatory Palestine As  Mandatory Palestine
Uruguay 1930 Did not enter Did not enter
Italy 1934 Did not qualify 2nd 2 0 0 2 2 11 Africa/Asia
France 1938 2nd 2 0 0 2 1 4 Europe
As  Israel As  Israel
Brazil 1950 Did not qualify 2nd 2 0 0 2 2 11 Europe
Switzerland 1954 3rd 4 0 0 4 0 5
Sweden 1958 Play-off 2 0 0 2 0 4 CAF/AFC
Chile 1962 Final Round 6 3 1 2 13 14 UEFA
England 1966 3rd 4 0 0 4 1 12
Mexico 1970 Group stage 12th 3 0 2 1 1 3 Squad Final Round 4 3 1 0 8 1 AFC/OFC
West Germany 1974 Did not qualify Zone A Final 6 4 1 1 12 2
Argentina 1978 First round 4 2 1 1 5 3
Spain 1982 5th 8 1 3 4 6 10 UEFA
Mexico 1986 2nd 6 3 1 2 17 6 OFC
Italy 1990 Play-off 6 1 4 1 5 5
United States 1994 6th 10 1 3 6 10 27 UEFA
France 1998 3rd 8 4 1 3 9 7
South Korea Japan 2002 3rd 8 3 3 2 11 7
Germany 2006 3rd 10 4 6 0 15 10
South Africa 2010 4th 10 4 4 2 20 10
Brazil 2014 3rd 10 3 5 2 19 14
Russia 2018 4th 10 4 0 6 10 15
Qatar 2022 3rd 10 5 1 4 23 21
Canada Mexico United States 2026 To be determined To be determined
Morocco Portugal Spain 2030
Saudi Arabia 2034
Total 1/22 Group stage 3 0 2 1 1 3 — Final Round 130 43 35 52 180 180 —

UEFA European Championship

[edit]
UEFA European Championship record Qualification record
Year Round Pos Pld W D L GF GA Squad Outcome Pld W D L GF GA
1960–1992 Not a UEFA member Not a UEFA member
England 1996 Did not qualify 5th 10 3 3 4 13 13
Belgium Netherlands 2000 Play-offs 8 4 1 3 25 9
Portugal 2004 3rd 8 2 3 3 9 11
Austria Switzerland 2008 4th 12 7 2 3 20 12
Poland Ukraine 2012 3rd 10 5 1 4 13 11
France 2016 4th 10 4 1 5 16 14
Europe 2020 Play-offs 11 3 3 5 16 18
Germany 2024 Play-offs 11 4 3 4 12 15
United Kingdom Republic of Ireland 2028 To be determined To be determined
Italy Turkey 2032
Total — Play-offs 80 32 17 31 124 103

UEFA Nations League

[edit]
UEFA Nations League record
League phase Finals
Season LG Grp Pos Pld W D L GF GA P/R RK Year Pos Pld W D* L GF GA Squad
2018–19 C 1 2nd 4 2 0 2 6 5 Rise 30th Portugal 2019 Did not qualify
2020–21 B 2 2nd 6 2 2 2 7 7 Same position 25th Italy 2021
2022–23 B 2 1st 4 2 2 0 8 6 Rise 17th Netherlands 2023
2024–25 A 2 4th 6 1 1 4 5 13 Decrease TBD 2025
Total 20 7 5 8 26 31 TBD Total —
*Denotes draws including knockout matches decided via penalty shoot-out.
**Group stage played home and away. Flag shown represents host nation for the finals stage.

Olympic Games

[edit]
Main article: Israel at the Summer Olympics
Main article: Football at the 2024 Summer Olympics § Qualification
See also: Israel at the 1968 Summer Olympics, Israel at the 1976 Summer Olympics, and 1980 Summer Olympics boycott
Olympic Games record
Year Round Position Pld W D L GF GA Squad
Finland 1952 Did not enter
Australia 1956
Italy 1960 Did not qualify
Japan 1964
Mexico 1968 Quarter-finals 5th 4 2 1 1 9 7 Squad
West Germany 1972 Did not qualify
Canada 1976 Quarter-finals 6th 4 0 3 1 4 7 Squad
Soviet Union 1980 Withdrew
United States 1984 Did not qualify
South Korea 1988
1992–present Competition played as an Under-23 competition
Total Quarter-finals 2/10 8 2 4 2 13 14 —

Head-to-head record

[edit]
As of 18 November 2024[32]

  Positive record   Neutral record   Negative record

FIFA World Ranking history

[edit]
See also: History of the Israel national football team § 1993 to 2010 rating

The following is a chart of yearly averages of Israel's FIFA World Ranking.[33]

Honours

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See also: History of the Israel national football team § Titles, and History of the Israel national football team § Awards

Continental

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As an AFC member[34]

Summary

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Competition 1st place, gold medalist(s) 2nd place, silver medalist(s) 3rd place, bronze medalist(s) Total
AFC Asian Cup 1 2 1 4
Asian Games 0 1 0 1
Total 1 3 1 5

See also

[edit]

Notes

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  1. ^ a b c Yossi Benayoun also played and scored against Romania B however this was not a full-international match and is therefore not included
  2. ^ Tal Ben Haim also played against Romania B however this was not a full-international match and is therefore not included
  3. ^ Tal Banin also played against USSR XI however this was not a full-international match and is therefore not included
  4. ^ Mordechai Spiegler also played in 25 matches that are not recognised by FIFA, scoring eight additional goals, however they are not full-international matches and are therefore not included
  5. ^ Nahum Stelmach also played in 19 matches that are not recognised by FIFA, scoring three additional goals, however they are not full-international matches and are therefore not included
  6. ^ Eli Ohana also played a 1984 Olympic qualification game however this was not a full-international match and is therefore not included
  7. ^ Yehoshua Feigenbaum also played in 15 matches that are not recognised by FIFA, scoring nine additional goals, however they are not full-international matches and are therefore not included
  8. ^ Includes matches against  West Germany.
  9. ^ Includes matches against  Soviet Union.
  10. ^ Includes matches against  Yugoslavia and  Serbia and Montenegro.
  11. ^ As  South Vietnam.
  1. ^ a b c d Due to the Israel–Hamas war, Israel are required to play their home matches at neutral venues until further notice.[13]
  2. ^ Due to the Belarusian involvement in the Russian invasion of Ukraine and Israel–Hamas war, Belarus and Israel are required to play their home matches at neutral venues and behind closed doors until further notice.
  3. ^ a b Due to the Israel–Hamas war protests, the Belgium v Israel match was played at a neutral venue and behind closed doors.

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "נאתכו: בטוח שהנבחרת תגיע ליורו, אהיה בשווייץ" (in Hebrew). 25 March 2023. Archived from the original on 25 March 2023. Retrieved 25 March 2023.
  2. ^ "The FIFA/Coca-Cola Men's World Ranking". FIFA. 24 October 2024. Retrieved 24 October 2024.
  3. ^ Elo rankings change compared to one year ago. "World Football Elo Ratings". eloratings.net. 21 November 2024. Retrieved 21 November 2024.
  4. ^ Mubarak, Hassanin. "Palestine – International Results – Details". RSSSF. Archived from the original on 13 October 2022. Retrieved 20 July 2013.
  5. ^ "Statistical Kit: Preliminary Draw for the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil" (PDF). FIFA.com. 28 June 2011. p. 53. Archived (PDF) from the original on 19 July 2021. Retrieved 21 December 2020. A Jewish delegation from Palestine (then a British mandate) played at the qualifying games for 1934 & 1938. It was the first Jewish national team, and as such the forerunner of Israel.
  6. ^ "Site-Map-Israel-Football-Facts—Stats". Archived from the original on 6 May 2019. Retrieved 19 May 2016.
  7. ^ "Bayati recalls Iran's tense win over Israel". Archived from the original on 7 April 2020. Retrieved 1 April 2021.
  8. ^ a b Montague, James (27 February 2008). "Time is right for Israel to return to its Asian roots". The Guardian. London. Archived from the original on 23 October 2017. Retrieved 1 April 2021.
  9. ^ "Aust-Asian bid fails". The Sydney Morning Herald. 16 September 1974. p. 11. Archived from the original on 9 May 2016. Retrieved 10 July 2014.
  10. ^ Rahman, Mansoor (14 September 1974). "'Visibles' win without any kick..." New Straits Times. p. 22. Archived from the original on 9 May 2016. Retrieved 10 July 2014.
  11. ^ Williams, Richard (19 May 2015). "Why Does Israel's Football Team Play In Europe?". Sky News. Archived from the original on 24 June 2018. Retrieved 8 August 2016.
  12. ^ Willi Ruttensteiner ist nicht mehr Teamchef von Israel Archived 3 March 2022 at the Wayback Machine, der Standard, 2022-02-07.
  13. ^ "European Qualifier match between Belgium and Sweden declared abandoned with half-time result confirmed as final". UEFA.com. Union of European Football Associations. 19 October 2023. Retrieved 23 November 2023.
  14. ^ "Belgium vs. Israel" (JSON). Union of European Football Associations. 6 September 2024. Retrieved 6 September 2024.
  15. ^ "Israel Football Association - National A Team - Team Staff". Israel Football Association. 21 November 2023. Archived from the original on 26 May 2022.
  16. ^ "ההתאחדודת לכדורגל בישראל - [ - נבחרת ישראל בכדורגל גברים ( בוגרים)] - בעלי תפקידים". Israel Football Association (in Hebrew). 23 May 2024.
  17. ^ "In national team - Ran Ben Shimon - National A Team - Team Staff". Israel Football Association. 21 November 2023. Archived from the original on 6 April 2023. Retrieved 21 November 2023.
  18. ^ a b "Alon Hazan, football manager". Archived from the original on 30 August 2018. Retrieved 21 November 2023.
  19. ^ Win% is rounded to two decimal places
  20. ^ "Andreas Herzog, football manager".
  21. ^ "Andreas Herzog, football manager".
  22. ^ "וילי רוטנשטיינר סיים את דרכו כמאמן נבחרת ישראל: "גאה בעשייה שלי"". 7 February 2022. Archived from the original on 4 April 2023. Retrieved 1 April 2022.
  23. ^ "ברומר וחרזי יאמנו את נבחרת ישראל - ספורט 5". 17 March 2022. Archived from the original on 20 March 2022. Retrieved 22 March 2022.
  24. ^ "רשמי: אלון חזן מונה למאמן נבחרת ישראל - ספורט 5". 8 May 2022. Archived from the original on 26 April 2022. Retrieved 1 May 2022.
  25. ^ "Israel Football Association - [seniors National] Team Squad". 29 August 2024.
  26. ^ "ההתאחדות לכדורגל בישראל - נבחרת לאומית גברים [בוגרים]" (in Hebrew). 21 November 2023. Archived from the original on 7 June 2023.
  27. ^ "Israel vs. Belgium - 14 October 2024 - Soccerway".
  28. ^ "Israel vs Italy, 9 September 2024".
  29. ^ "Most Israel Caps". Retrieved 7 October 2024.
  30. ^ "National A Team – Team Squad". Israel Football Association. 21 November 2023. Archived from the original on 31 May 2023. Retrieved 9 September 2023.
  31. ^ Mamrud, Roberto. "Israel – Record International Players". RSSSF. Archived from the original on 9 December 2022. Retrieved 18 November 2023.
  32. ^ "Israel national football team match results". Eu-Football.info. Only matches from 1934 onwards are included.
  33. ^ "The FIFA/Coca-Cola World Ranking - Associations - Israel- Men's". FIFA. Archived from the original on 10 April 2022. Retrieved 29 March 2022.
  34. ^ 1954–74; Asia
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