TALLINN – The 2026 World Cup qualifier between Estonia and Israel featured a different atmosphere in Tallinn.
While the Israeli team has grown accustomed to demonstrations related to the ongoing war in Gaza, the Estonian hosts remained focused solely on the match.
The previous encounter between the two teams, back in March, had been tightly contested. Estonia struck first, but Israel quickly equalized and eventually won with a late second-half goal. Given that Estonia rarely secures easy wins, there was genuine belief among the home side that this could be their night. “I hope that we will find the right changes, before and during the match, to win this game,” said Estonia manager Jürgen Henn beforehand. Their narrow loss in the reverse fixture gave them confidence heading into this rematch.
Israel, meanwhile, came into the game hoping to close the gap on Norway, their main rivals for a playoff spot. A 4–2 defeat to the Norwegians in March left them trailing, and time is running out. “We have no right to underestimate any rival,” said Israel manager Ran Ben Shimon. “The players are focused on the mission, and we are expecting a tough match.”
First Half
In the first half, Estonia looked the sharper side. After creating a few early chances, they broke through in the 31st minute. Michael Schjønning-Larsen surged into the box and squared the ball to Mattias Käit, who slotted home his 10th international goal and second of the campaign.
But the lead didn’t last long. Just eight minutes later, Dor Turgeman capitalized on a defensive error, raced into the box, and spotted goalkeeper Karl Jakob Hein out of position. Turgeman laid the ball off to Dan Biton, who had a clear shot at goal and scored the equalizer. It was Biton’s first goal for the national team, having made his international debut last year.
Second Half
Israel started the second half with intent. Just four minutes in, Biton launched a counterattack and fed Manor Solomon down the left wing. Despite being challenged, Solomon delivered a pinpoint pass back to Biton, who finished confidently to complete his brace—2–1 Israel.
From that point on, it wasn’t about dominance but about execution. Israel stayed efficient, allowing Estonia little space to respond. In the 86th minute, Dor Peretz was brought down in the box by Hein after a solo run. Following a brief delay, Mohammed Abu Fani converted the penalty to make it 3–1.
Both managers had aimed to win, but only one left satisfied. “It was much closer compared to the previous game,” said Henn post-match. “We managed to control the game and chase the goal until the last moment.” Ben Shimon praised his players’ focus: “I saw their character on the field. They brought themselves into the game in the most focused way they could.”
Israel claimed the win, but the road ahead remains difficult. Norway, who thrashed Italy 3–0 in the other group fixture, remain firmly in the driver’s seat. Looking ahead, Israel will face Slovakia in a midweek friendly in Debrecen. Estonia will host Norway, while Italy tries to bounce back at home against Moldova.
Photo courtesy: Israel Football Association