Football

Israel beats Albania in tense friendly after booing of Hatikvah

“Throughout the three years of the war, I’ve become used to boos," said midfielder Eliel Peretz. "It’s unpleasant and disrespectful. But in the end, we’re professionals."

ISRAEL STRIKER Oscar Gloukh and Albania's Elseid Hysaj are shown a yellow card by referee Milija Savovic after an altercation stemming from the booing of Hatikvah before Israel's 1-0 friendly victory over host Albania in Tirana.
DANIEL PERETZ rose to the moment with a series of stunning saves vs Arsenal, carrying Southampton to a memorable FA Cup quarterfinal upset this week.

Southampton soccer scandal: Coach pressured interns to spy, WhatsApp messages reveal

MACCABI TEL AVIV forward Jaylen Hoard goes up to the hoop for two of his  team-high 20 points in the yellow-and-blue’s 106-90 victory over Hapoel Beersheba in Game 1 of their best-of-three quarterfinals series.

Mac TA, Holon notch opening playoffs wins

MACCABI TEL AVIV players celebrate with the trophy following their 2-1 comeback win over Hapoel Beersheba in the State Cup final at Teddy Stadium.

Maccabi Tel Aviv denies Beersheba double at soccer cup final


Palestinian FA chief hits out at Israeli federation VP at FIFA Congress

Both men were called to the stand by FIFA President Gianni Infantino, who put his hand on the Palestinian FA chief's arm and, with a gesture, invited him to come closer to the Israeli FA VP.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino (C) interacts with the President of the Palestine Football Association Jibril Rajoub as the Vice-President of Israel Football Association Basim Sheikh Suliman (L) looks on during a heated moment in the 76th FIFA Congress in Vancouver, Canada on April 30, 2026.

Palestinian Football Association appeals to sports court over FIFA ruling on Israel

The Palestinian Football Association has long argued that Israeli clubs based in the West Bank should not compete in leagues run by the Israel Football Association.

 Palestinian Football Association President Jibril Rajoub speaks during the 74th FIFA Congress, May 17, 2024,  in Bangkok.

Trump envoy seeks to replace Iran with Italy in upcoming World Cup - Financial Times

Iran had said earlier that it would decide on participation in the World Cup only after receiving a response from FIFA regarding the relocation of its matches from the US to Mexico.

A picture shows flags of Italy and of the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) at the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) headquarters during a meeting of the Italian football authorities after the national team failed to qualify for a third consecutive World Cup, in Rome on April 2, 2026.

Trump’s antisemitism envoy says US will bar World Cup attendees tied to antisemitism abroad

Rabbi Yehuda Kaploun was quoted as saying that the US was “holding countries accountable for ministers who are saying things, and they are not being allowed into the country.”

Pro-Palestinian activists protest with a football-shaped sign and a Palestinian flag outside Wembley Stadium on October 2nd, 2025 in London, United Kingdom.

FIFA considers requesting Trump to issue ICE raid moratorium during World Cup - report

FIFA is exploring the possibility of requesting US President Donald Trump to pause ICE raids during the World Cup, hoping FIFA chief Gianni Infantino's relationship with him could leverage policy.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino (R) awards US President Donald Trump (L) with the FIFA Peace Prize, December 5, 2025; illustrative.

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.

TAI BARIBO finds the net for D.C. United, emblematic of a new wave of Israeli soccer stars thriving on American soil.

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.

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.

Getting back to the games while under fire

Israeli sports leagues prepare to resume under strict safety guidelines, with empty stadiums and arenas.

Football and basketball leagues across Israel are pushing ahead with plans to complete their seasons as the war continues.

Iranian football players face government pressure to return to Iran, as families warn against it

The exact number of delegation members seeking protection remains unclear, with accounts from activists, officials, and Iranian state media differing.

THE REMAINING members of Iran’s women’s national football team embrace a member of the support staff who had refused to board the plane.

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.

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.