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Israel national football team

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

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

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

Early history

Football has a long tradition in Israel. The game was originally introduced during the time of the Ottoman Empire. The Palestinian Football Association was formed in August 1928, and joined FIFA in June 1929, but at the time the association was made up of Arab clubs, Jewish clubs, and clubs representing British policemen and soldiers serving in the region during the British Mandate rule that spanned the period between World War I and the establishment of the State of Israel in 1948. 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 those 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, officially, the national football team of (the State 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

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

Israel was one of the founding members of the AFC (Asian Football Confederation) following its own independence in 1948 (prior to that it played under the banner of the "British Mandate of Palestine").[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 were expelled from the confederation and spent a few years trying to qualify from such continental bodies as the OFC (Oceania), before eventually joining UEFA (Europe) officially.[8]

Israel's last years in the AFC

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 their 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, as a result of a proposal by Kuwait (as other Muslim and Arab countries refused to play against Israel), that 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

First steps in UEFA

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

2023

12 November 2023[note 1] UEFA Euro 2024 qualifying Kosovo   1–0   Israel Prishtina, Kosovo
20:45
  • Rashica   41'
 Report (UEFA) Stadium: Fadil Vokrri Stadium
Attendance: 5,245
Referee: Ivan Kružliak (Slovakia)
15 November 2023[note 2] UEFA Euro 2024 qualifying Israel   1–1    Switzerland Felcsút, Hungary[note 3]
20:45
Report (UEFA)
Stadium: Pancho Aréna
Attendance: 2,024
Referee: Anthony Taylor (England)
18 November 2023 UEFA Euro 2024 qualifying Israel   1–2   Romania Felcsút, Hungary[note 3]
20:45 (21:45 UTC+2)
Report (UEFA)
Stadium: Pancho Aréna[note 4]
Attendance: 2,921
Referee: François Letexier (France)
21 November 2023 UEFA Euro 2024 qualifying Andorra   0–2   Israel Andorra la Vella, Andorra
20:45 Report (UEFA)
Stadium: Estadi Nacional
Attendance: 568
Referee: Sascha Stegemann (Germany)

2024

21 March 2024 UEFA Euro 2024 qualifying play-offs Israel   1–4   Iceland Budapest, Hungary[note 3]
20:45
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 5]
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 6]
20:45 (21:45 UTC+3)
Report (UEFA)
Stadium: Nagyerdei Stadion
Attendance: 0[18][note 6]
Referee: Michael Oliver (England)
9 September 2024 2024–25 UEFA Nations League Israel   1–2   Italy Budapest, Hungary[note 3]
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 3]
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   v   Israel Saint-Denis, France
20:45 (21:45 UTC+3) Report (UEFA) Stadium: Stade de France
17 November 2024 2024–25 UEFA Nations League Israel   v   Belgium Budapest, Hungary[note 3]
20:45 (21:45 UTC+3) Report (UEFA) Stadium: Bozsik Aréna

Coaching staff

 
Ran Ben Shimon is the current official head coach of Israel.
As of 23 May 2024.[19][20]
Position Name
Head coach   Ran Ben Shimon
Assistant coach   Amir Schelach
  Gal Cohen
Fitness coach   Eran Shedo
  Matan Shoshani
Goalkeeping coach   Itay Zilpa
Analyst   Adar Rosenberg
  Maayan Bahalul
Technical manager   Roy Reinschreiber
  Avi Levi
Head doctor   Ehud "Udi" Kaufman

Coaching history

As of 23 May 2024.[21][22]

Players

Current squad

The following players were called for 2024–25 UEFA Nations, on 14 and 17 November 2024 against France and Belgium; respectively.[29][30]

Caps and goals are correct as of 14 October 2024, after the match against Italy.[31][32][33][34]

No. Pos. Player Date of birth (age) Caps Goals Club
1GK Daniel Peretz (2000-07-10) 10 July 2000 (age 24) 2 0   Bayern Munich
1GK Yoav Gerafi (1993-08-29) 29 August 1993 (age 31) 4 0   Hapoel Haifa
1GK Roi Mishpati (1992-11-23) 23 November 1992 (age 31) 0 0   Maccabi Tel Aviv
2DF Eli Dasa (captain) (1992-12-03) 3 December 1992 (age 31) 64 0   Dynamo Moscow
2DF Sean Goldberg (1996-08-25) 25 August 1996 (age 28) 15 0   Maccabi Haifa
2DF Raz Shlomo (1999-08-13) 13 August 1999 (age 25) 14 2   Maccabi Tel Aviv
2DF Sagiv Yehezkel (1995-03-21) 21 March 1995 (age 29) 8 0   Maccabi Tel Aviv
2DF Idan Nachmias (1997-03-17) 17 March 1997 (age 27) 7 0   Maccabi Tel Aviv
2DF Ilay Feingold (2004-08-23) 23 August 2004 (age 20) 2 0   Maccabi Haifa
2DF Nikita Stoinov (2005-08-24) 24 August 2005 (age 19) 0 0   Maccabi Netanya
3MF Dor Peretz (1995-05-17) 17 May 1995 (age 29) 45 6   Maccabi Tel Aviv
3MF Mohammad Abu Fani (1998-04-27) 27 April 1998 (age 26) 25 2   Ferencváros
3MF Oscar Gloukh (2004-04-01) 1 April 2004 (age 20) 16 3   Red Bull Salzburg
3MF Gabi Kanichowsky (1997-08-24) 24 August 1997 (age 27) 16 1   Maccabi Tel Aviv
3MF Dolev Haziza (1995-07-05) 5 July 1995 (age 29) 16 0   Maccabi Haifa
3MF Dia Saba (1992-11-18) 18 November 1992 (age 31) 11 3   Maccabi Haifa
3MF Mahmoud Jaber (1999-10-05) 5 October 1999 (age 25) 8 0   Maccabi Haifa
3MF Omri Gandelman (2000-05-16) 16 May 2000 (age 24) 3 1   Gent
3MF Dan Biton (1999-04-23) 23 April 1999 (age 25) 3 0   Hapoel Be'er Sheva
3MF Ethan Azoulay (2002-05-26) 26 May 2002 (age 22) 1 0   Maccabi Haifa
4FW Manor Solomon (1999-07-24) 24 July 1999 (age 25) 39 7   Leeds United
4FW Tai Baribo (1998-01-15) January 15, 1998 (age 26) 18 3   Philadelphia Union
4FW Liel Abada (2001-10-03) 3 October 2001 (age 23) 14 1   Charlotte FC
4FW Anan Khalaily (2004-09-03) 3 September 2004 (age 20) 8 0   Union SG
4FW Dean David (1996-03-14) 14 March 1996 (age 28) 4 1   Maccabi Haifa
4FW Guy Melamed (1992-12-21) 21 December 1992 (age 31) 3 1   Hapoel Haifa
4FW Yarden Shua (1999-06-16) 16 June 1999 (age 25) 0 0   Beitar Jerusalem

Recent call-ups

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 Omer Nir'on (2001-04-17) 17 April 2001 (age 23) 0 0   Maccabi Netanya v.   Italy, 9 September 2024
GK Gad Amos (1988-12-24) 24 December 1988 (age 35) 0 0   Maccabi Bnei Reineh v.   Andorra, 21 November 2023
GK Shareef Keouf (2001-06-25) 25 June 2001 (age 23) 0 0   Maccabi Haifa v.   Italy, 14 October 2024
GK Omri Glazer (1996-03-11) 11 March 1996 (age 28) 17 0   Red Star Belgrade v.   Italy, 14 October 2024
DF Roy Revivo (2003-05-22) 22 May 2003 (age 21) 6 0   Maccabi Tel Aviv v.   Italy, 9 September 2024
DF Ofri Arad (1998-09-11) 11 September 1998 (age 26) 10 0   Kairat v.   Belarus, 11 June 2024
DF Gil Cohen (2000-11-08) 8 November 2000 (age 24) 0 0   Beitar Jerusalem v.   Belarus, 11 June 2024
DF Uri Dahan (1999-12-07) 7 December 1999 (age 24) 0 0   Beitar Jerusalem v.   Belarus, 11 June 2024
DF Ofir Davidzada (1991-05-05) 5 May 1991 (age 33) 19 0   Maccabi Tel Aviv v.   Iceland, 21 March 2024
DF Miguel Vítor (1989-06-30) 30 June 1989 (age 35) 12 0   Hapoel Be'er Sheva v.   Iceland, 21 March 2024
DF Stav Lemkin (2003-04-02) 2 April 2003 (age 21) 3 0   Maccabi Tel Aviv v.   Andorra, 21 November 2023
DF Avishay Cohen (1995-06-19) 19 June 1995 (age 29) 1 0   Maccabi Tel Aviv v.   Andorra, 21 November 2023
DF Doron Leidner (2002-04-26) 26 April 2002 (age 22) 8 0   FC Zürich v.   Italy, 9 September 2024
DF Denny Gropper (1999-03-16) 16 March 1999 (age 25) 8 0   Ludogorets Razgrad v.   Italy, 14 October 2024
DF Matan Baltaxa (1995-09-20) 20 September 1995 (age 29) 2 0   Hapoel Be'er Sheva v.   Italy, 14 October 2024
MF Neta Lavi (1996-08-25) 25 August 1996 (age 28) 22 0   Gamba Osaka v.   Italy, 9 September 2024
MF Dan Glazer (1996-09-20) 20 September 1996 (age 28) 21 1   Pari Nizhny Novgorod v.   Belarus, 11 June 2024
MF Gadi Kinda (1994-03-23) 23 March 1994 (age 30) 10 2   Maccabi Haifa v.   Belarus, 11 June 2024
MF Mohammed Kna'an (2000-01-14) 14 January 2000 (age 24) 3 0   Ashdod v.   Belarus, 11 June 2024
MF Roei Gordana (1990-07-06) 6 July 1990 (age 34) 2 0   Hapoel Be'er Sheva v.   Belarus, 11 June 2024
MF Goni Naor (1999-04-23) 23 April 1999 (age 25) 2 0   Hapoel Tel Aviv v.   Belarus, 11 June 2024
MF Yoav Hofmayster (2000-12-25) 25 December 2000 (age 23) 1 0   Korona Kielce v.   Belarus, 11 June 2024
MF Eden Shamir (1995-06-25) 25 June 1995 (age 29) 1 0   Maccabi Petah Tikva v.   Belarus, 11 June 2024
MF Ofek Bitton (1999-09-27) 27 September 1999 (age 25) 0 0   Hapoel Jerusalem v.   Belarus, 11 June 2024
MF Ido Shahar (2001-08-20) 20 August 2001 (age 23) 0 0   Maccabi Tel Aviv v.   Iceland, 21 March 2024
MF Tomer Yosefi (1999-02-02) 2 February 1999 (age 25) 0 0   Hapoel Be'er Sheva v.   Iceland, 21 March 2024
MF Eden Kartsev (2000-04-11) 11 April 2000 (age 24) 6 0   Shenzhen Peng City v.   Andorra, 21 November 2023
MF Ramzi Safouri (1995-10-21) 21 October 1995 (age 29) 17 1   Antalyaspor v.   Italy, 14 October 2024
MF Eliel Peretz (1996-11-18) 18 November 1996 (age 27) 2 0   Hapoel Be'er Sheva v.   Italy, 14 October 2024
FW Dor Turgeman (2003-10-24) 24 October 2003 (age 21) 6 0   Maccabi Tel Aviv v.   France, 10 October 2024INJ
FW Omri Altman (1994-03-23) 23 March 1994 (age 30) 2 0   Volos v.   Belarus, 11 June 2024
FW Alon Turgeman (1991-06-09) 9 June 1991 (age 33) 2 0   Hapoel Be'er Sheva v.   Belarus, 11 June 2024
FW Eran Zahavi (1987-07-25) 25 July 1987 (age 37) 74 35   Maccabi Tel Aviv v.   Iceland, 21 March 2024
FW Shon Weissman (1996-02-14) 14 February 1996 (age 28) 33 6   Granada v.   Andorra, 21 November 2023
FW Idan Gorno (2004-08-09) 9 August 2004 (age 20) 4 0   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

Main articles: List of Israel international footballers and Israel national football team records and statistics
As of 18 November 2023.[35]
Players in bold are still active with Israel.
Statistics include official FIFA-recognised matches only.

Most capped players

 
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

 
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

FIFA World Cup

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
  1930 Did not enter Did not enter
  1934 Did not qualify 2nd 2 0 0 2 2 11 Africa/Asia
  1938 2nd 2 0 0 2 1 4 Europe
As   Israel As   Israel
  1950 Did not qualify 2nd 2 0 0 2 2 11 Europe
  1954 3rd 4 0 0 4 0 5
  1958 Play-off 2 0 0 2 0 4 CAF/AFC
  1962 Final Round 6 3 1 2 13 14 UEFA
  1966 3rd 4 0 0 4 1 12
  1970 Group stage 12th 3 0 2 1 1 3 Squad Final Round 4 3 1 0 8 1 AFC/OFC
  1974 Did not qualify Zone A Final 6 4 1 1 12 2
  1978 First round 4 2 1 1 5 3
  1982 5th 8 1 3 4 6 10 UEFA
  1986 2nd 6 3 1 2 17 6 OFC
  1990 Play-off 6 1 4 1 5 5
  1994 6th 10 1 3 6 10 27 UEFA
  1998 3rd 8 4 1 3 9 7
    2002 3rd 8 3 3 2 11 7
  2006 3rd 10 4 6 0 15 10
  2010 4th 10 4 4 2 20 10
  2014 3rd 10 3 5 2 19 14
  2018 4th 10 4 0 6 10 15
  2022 3rd 10 5 1 4 23 21
      2026 To be determined To be determined
      2030
  2034
Total 1/22 Group stage 3 0 2 1 1 3 — Final Round 130 43 35 52 180 180 —

UEFA European Championship

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
  1996 Did not qualify 5th 10 3 3 4 13 13
    2000 Play-offs 8 4 1 3 25 9
  2004 3rd 8 2 3 3 9 11
    2008 4th 12 7 2 3 20 12
    2012 3rd 10 5 1 4 13 11
  2016 4th 10 4 1 5 16 14
  2020 Play-offs 11 3 3 5 16 18
  2024 Play-offs 11 4 3 4 12 15
    2028 To be determined To be determined
    2032
Total — Play-offs 80 32 17 31 124 103

UEFA Nations League

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   30th   2019 Did not qualify
2020–21 B 2 2nd 6 2 2 2 7 7   25th   2021
2022–23 B 2 1st 4 2 2 0 8 6   17th   2023
2024–25 A 2 TBD 4 0 0 4 4 13 TBD TBD   2025
Total 18 6 4 8 25 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

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
  1952 Did not enter
  1956
  1960 Did not qualify
  1964
  1968 Quarter-finals 5th 4 2 1 1 9 7 Squad
  1972 Did not qualify
  1976 Quarter-finals 6th 4 0 3 1 4 7 Squad
  1980 Withdrew
  1984 Did not qualify
  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

As of October 2024[36]

  Positive record   Neutral record   Negative record

FIFA World Ranking history

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.[37]
 

Honours

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

Continental

As an AFC member[38]

Summary

Competition       Total
AFC Asian Cup 1 2 1 4
Asian Games 0 1 0 1
Total 1 3 1 5

See also

Notes

  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. ^ The Kosovo v Israel match, originally scheduled to be played on 15 October 2023, was postponed to 12 November 2023 due to the Israel–Hamas war.[13][14]
  2. ^ The Israel v Switzerland match, originally scheduled to be played on 12 October 2023 at the Bloomfield Stadium, Tel Aviv, was postponed to a date to determine due and relocated to a neutral site due to the Israel–Hamas war.[15][16]
  3. ^ a b c d e f Due to the Israel–Hamas war, Israel are required to play their home matches at neutral venues until further notice.[17]
  4. ^ The Israel v Romania match, originally scheduled to be played at the Teddy Stadium, Jerusalem, was relocated to a neutral site due to the Israel–Hamas war.
  5. ^ 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.
  6. ^ 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

  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. 16 October 2024. Retrieved 16 October 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 Qualifiers match Kosovo v Israel postponed". UEFA.com. Union of European Football Associations. 12 October 2023. Retrieved 12 October 2023.
  14. ^ "New dates for three UEFA matches involving Israel". UEFA.com. Union of European Football Associations. 22 October 2023. Retrieved 22 October 2023.
  15. ^ "UEFA postpones matches in Israel". UEFA.com. Union of European Football Associations. 8 October 2023. Retrieved 8 October 2023.
  16. ^ "Israel's Euro qualifier v Switzerland postponed to Nov. 15 over violence". Reuters. 10 October 2023. Retrieved 10 October 2023.
  17. ^ "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.
  18. ^ "Belgium vs. Israel" (JSON). Union of European Football Associations. 6 September 2024. Retrieved 6 September 2024.
  19. ^ "Israel Football Association - National A Team - Team Staff". Israel Football Association. 21 November 2023. Archived from the original on 26 May 2022.
  20. ^ "ההתאחדודת לכדורגל בישראל - [ - נבחרת ישראל בכדורגל גברים ( בוגרים)] - בעלי תפקידים". Israel Football Association (in Hebrew). 23 May 2024.
  21. ^ "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.
  22. ^ a b "Alon Hazan, football manager". Archived from the original on 30 August 2018. Retrieved 21 November 2023.
  23. ^ Win% is rounded to two decimal places
  24. ^ "Andreas Herzog, football manager".
  25. ^ "Andreas Herzog, football manager".
  26. ^ "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.
  27. ^ "ברומר וחרזי יאמנו את נבחרת ישראל - ספורט 5". 17 March 2022. Archived from the original on 20 March 2022. Retrieved 22 March 2022.
  28. ^ "רשמי: אלון חזן מונה למאמן נבחרת ישראל - ספורט 5". 8 May 2022. Archived from the original on 26 April 2022. Retrieved 1 May 2022.
  29. ^ "Israel Football Association - [seniors National] Team Squad". 29 August 2024.
  30. ^ "ההתאחדות לכדורגל בישראל - נבחרת לאומית גברים [בוגרים]" (in Hebrew). 21 November 2023. Archived from the original on 7 June 2023.
  31. ^ "Itay vs. Israel - 14 October 2024 - Soccerway".
  32. ^ "Israel vs Italy, 9 Seotember 2024".
  33. ^ "Most Israel Caps". Retrieved 7 October 2024.
  34. ^ "National A Team – Team Squad". Israel Football Association. 21 November 2023. Archived from the original on 31 May 2023. Retrieved 9 September 2023.
  35. ^ Mamrud, Roberto. "Israel – Record International Players". RSSSF. Archived from the original on 9 December 2022. Retrieved 18 November 2023.
  36. ^ "Israel national football team match results". Eu-Football.info. Only matches from 1934 onwards are included.
  37. ^ "The FIFA/Coca-Cola World Ranking - Associations - Israel- Men's". FIFA. Archived from the original on 10 April 2022. Retrieved 29 March 2022.
  38. ^ 1954–74; Asia
 
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