Football

Israeli football in 2026 – growth, trends and more

Israeli football continues to go from strength to strength.
Police officer and security staff look on as protesters display banners before Maccabi Tel Aviv faces Aston Villa, in Birmingham, UK, November 6, 2025

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

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.

Israel's Manor Solomon enjoying life playing for Fiorentina

Iranian filmmaker Javad Ganji, believed to be killed during a protest in Tehran, in an undated picture.

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


Beitar Jerusalem to battle Bnei Reineh in State Cup semifinals

Beitar Jerusalem beat Bnei Sakhnin 3-0 after a goalless first half.

 YARDEN SHUA scored and set up another goal in Beitar Jerusalem's 3-0 State Cup quarterfinal victory over Bnei Sakhnin.

More than fans: How Hapoel Jerusalem supporters shape the soccer club’s future

This structure, inspired by leading European clubs like Barcelona and Real Madrid, ensures that the team’s fate is not dictated by a single owner but collectively determined by its fan base.

A PACKED stands at Teddy Stadium in the norm for Hapoel Jerusalem matches, with the fan-owned club holding its membership elections this week.

Emotional tribute to former hostages at Maccabi Tel Aviv-Hapoel Haifa clash

Former hostages Emily Damari and Romi Gonen took center stage in an emotional pregame ceremony.

 FORMER HOSTAGE and Maccabi Tel Aviv fan Emily Damari takes part in a tribute on the pitch at Bloomfield Stadium before the team’s 3-0 win over Hapoel Haifa.

Indictment filed against Bnei Sakhnin stadium announcer Saeed Hasanein

The indictment charged Hasanein with contact with a foreign agent, identification with a terror group, and destruction of evidence.

 SAEED HASANEIN was dismissed from his role as stadium announcer of Israel Premier League club Bnei Sakhnin after his anti-Israel statements during matches.

This is how Beitar Jerusalem's promising goalkeeper celebrated his birthday

Raz Karmi, who represents the future generation of Israeli sports, has become part of the special collaboration between the Mania Jeans brand and the Premier League Administration.

 Raz Karmi

Released hostage Emily Damari to Maccabi TLV fans: 'I want you to be heard all the way to Gaza'

Also during the match, Beitar Jerusalem played with new orange jerseys in honor of the Bibas family and called for their release, as Shiri, Ariel, and Kfir are still being held hostage.

 British-Israeli former hostage Emily Damari poses for a photo with her mother, Mandy, after being released from Gaza where she was held since the deadly October 7 2023 attack by Hamas, at Sheba Medical Center in Ramat Gan, in this handout image obtained by Reuters on January 21, 2025.

How to Watch the NFL Playoffs in Israel: TV Channels & Streaming Options


The ambassador from Japan visits: A new campaign for footballer Neta Lavi

One of our leading football ambassadors currently playing in Japan has elegantly made his way into the fashion world, becoming a brand ambassador for Puma.

 Neta Lavi for Puma

14 athletes and personalities inducted into the International Jewish Sports Hall of Fame

All the latest in Jewish sports this week.

 Amar'e Stoudemire speaks at a news conference in Jerusalem, Aug. 8, 2016.

Israel team rejected for homeless soccer tournament over security concerns

Homeless World Cup is an international street football tournament with a network of 70 organizations that use the sport to “tackle homelessness and social isolation.”

Homeless Euro 2024 - Hamburg, Germany - June 17, 2024 A general view of the action from Germany v Sweden