The next generation of Israeli football was looking for good results this week.
Israel’s U21 national team arrived at the international break with a chance to get one step closer to the U21 European Championships next year. But it would be a tough task, as they host the two contenders for the top two berths, Poland and Germany.
Israel U21 national team, crucial days on the road to the European Championship (Nicole Liberman)
Israel v Poland: a close race
Thursday night was a rainy night. The Israeli’s were searching for the first goal, but Adrian Benedyczak found the net first in the 10th minute, giving Poland the lead.
Israel’s key player is Liel Abada. The Celtic youngster has enjoyed his best season so far this year, with nine goals and seven assists in 30 league matches. And he was clearly the right person to lead the fight back, equalising in the 50th minute.
For both teams, a draw wasn't good enough, and Israel took the lead with a long-range strike from Omri Gandelman in the 73rd minute. Five minutes later, Poland scored again, and it was Jakub Kamiński with the equalizer.
A 2-2 draw, in the end, made the match against Germany crucial.
Omri Gandelman, a long-range strike wasn’t enough for Israel (Nicole Liberman)
Israel v Germany: missed chances
From the start, things were different on Tuesday night. The weather had Middle Eastern vibes to it, kids crowded the stadium, cheering on their national team. One thing was missing though - the attacking attitude.
Israel lacked accuracy on the front line, barely managing to aim the target. There is a strong feeling that Israel are better than the Germans, but they just couldn't manage to show it on the pitch.
In the 60th minute, Noah Katterbach scored for the Germans. It proved to be the decisive moment. Israel kept at its objectively poor performance, and didn't really look like scoring.
The final score was 1-0 to Germany, but Israel got some good news at the end of the match. Poland drew against Hungary, 1-1, and, with Israel playing their last two games against weaker Latvia and San Marino sides, they’re in a good position.
Liel Abada, Celtic’s key player and the Israeli hope for the future (Eitan Dotan/IFA)
The squad is also completely different from what we’re used to seeing. Except for Abada, only two more players ply their trade abroad - Spezia’s Suf Podgoreanu, and Ilay Elmkies with Admira Wacker. All the others play regular football in Israel’s top tier, making them more experienced than the previous generation.
There’s hope for a brighter footballing future for Israel, and this squad are on a clear mission to reach the U21 Euros in 2023.
Edited by Alex Smith
Israel U21 national team, is it a beginning of a new era? (Nicole Liberman)
After nine years at Liverpool, Salah left for Trabzonspor — the money, the family, and the love of being the underdog all played their part.
Egypt pushed Argentina to the limit in a 3-2 World Cup thriller, but left the pitch furious at the referee and convinced justice was denied.
For the first time since Oct. 7, 2023, Palestinian club football returns this weekend as 226 teams compete across three war-scarred regions.
After nine years at Liverpool, Salah left for Trabzonspor — the money, the family, and the love of being the underdog all played their part.
Spain defeated Argentina 1-0 in the 2026 World Cup Final, ending Lionel Messi's dream World Cup with heartbreak.
Thousands of Argentina fans transformed Times Square before the 2026 World Cup final, all united to thank Lionel Messi.
Spain were ruthless in Dallas as Oyarzabal and Dani Olmo starred, leaving France's Bastille Day to end in deep disappointment for Deschamps.
Norway outplayed England for most of a sweltering Miami classic, but two Bellingham strikes in extra time sent the Three Lions to the semis.
Egypt pushed Argentina to the limit in a 3-2 World Cup thriller, but left the pitch furious at the referee and convinced justice was denied.
Ayoub Bouaddi chose Morocco over France at 18 and lit up a quarter-final about colonial history, dual identity, and what it means to belong.
Merino's late goal gave Spain a 1-0 win over Portugal as Ronaldo left the World Cup stage in tears in what many believe was his final match.
Egypt beat Australia on penalties in Dallas to reach the last 16 for the first time, with Salah's Panenka the highlight of a historic night.
Diop headed Morocco level in the 91st minute and Saibari slotted the winner in the shootout as Morocco reached the World Cup quarter-finals.
Messi and the Jordanian Messi both scored as Argentina beat Jordan 3-1 in Arlington, with records broken and keffiyehs flying in the stands.
France beat Iraq 3-0 in Philadelphia, but the two-hour lightning delay stole the show, making it officially the longest World Cup game ever.
Saibari scored inside two minutes as Morocco beat Scotland 1-0 in Boston, leaving the Scots on the very brink of 2026 World Cup elimination.
Senegal relived their legendary 2002 magic for an hour, but Kylian Mbappe struck twice to sink them and seal France's 3-1 win in New Jersey.
Qatar stole a last-gasp draw from Switzerland and Morocco held Brazil 1-1 — two results that announced Arab football’s full arrival at 2026.
Azteca stadium hosts its third World Cup as Mexico City buzzes with pride, protest, and the deep belief that football has always lived here.
Crystal Palace beat Rayo Vallecano in Leipzig to win the Conference League in the most romantic underdog final in European football history.
Maccabi Tel Aviv edge Hapoel Be'er Sheva 2–1 in a dramatic Israeli Cup Final at Teddy Stadium, denying the champions a historic Double.
With tensions easing, Iran’s 2026 World Cup participation remains uncertain, as FIFA, politics, and regional dynamics collide.
CAF shocks African football by stripping Senegal’s title and awarding Morocco the AFCON crown after a chaotic final decision.
From silent protests to daring escapes, Iran’s women footballers turned a tournament into a global story of courage, politics, and survival.
Iran’s women’s team protested, faced threats, and signaled SOS in Australia—now their fate is uncertain amid calls for asylum.
From geopolitics to spectacle, Trump looms over World Cup 2026—reshaping football, power, and culture in the biggest tournament ever.
FIFA joins Gaza rebuilding plans, restoring stadiums, pitches, and youth programs, supporting football and hope in the Strip.
From Nigeria’s Mavlon academy to Viktoria Plzeň and the Europa League dream: Salim Fago’s journey is just beginning in Europe.
From Benzema’s shock move to Ronaldo’s protest, a chain reaction in Saudi football is shaking the entire project and the global game.
A Hitchcock-style AFCON final in Rabat saw chaos, controversy and brilliance as Senegal stunned Morocco to claim their second African title.
From libraries to stadiums, Morocco lives football. As AFCON 2025 nears its climax, passion, politics, and ambition collide nationwide.
For the first time since Oct. 7, 2023, Palestinian club football returns this weekend as 226 teams compete across three war-scarred regions.