Soccer

Hapoel Tel Aviv eyes Euroleague playoffs while Maccabi prays for spot

Hapoel Tel Aviv defeated Fenerbahce 95-80 as the Reds closed in on clinching a playoff spot with a record of 22-13. Meanwhile, a crucial contest awaits Maccabi as its aspirations are questioned.

MACCABI TEL AVIV coach Oded Katash and his team's Euroleague postseason hopes are hanging by a thread, as the 51-year-old Israeli signed a three-year extension this week to remain on the yellow-and-blue sideline.
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.

Israeli pride: Peretz lifts Southampton over Arsenal and into Wembley spotlight

BEITAR JERUSALEM players celebrate a dramatic late winner at Teddy Stadium – their joy echoing through empty stands as fans cheer from afar in homes and shelters across Israel.

Sounds of silence: Israeli sports return, but minus fans who define them

The FIFA 26 Los Angeles logo is displayed on a soccer ball during the Los Angeles World Cup 2026.

FIFA does it again: Seats for the 2026 World Cup final listed at near $11,000


Maccabi Haifa goalkeeper Yermakov’s resolve in uncertain times

Some foreign players have left Israel and plan to return once the situation calms down. Some, like Georgiy Yermakov, have stayed.

MACCABI HAIFA goalkeeper Georgiy Yermakov remains in Israel during the league’s wartime pause, while balancing the reality of conflict in both his homeland of Ukraine and his adopted home.

Iranian women's soccer team refuses to sing national anthem, chess player calls out regime

The players' actions came as Israel continued its war against Iran in the form of Operation Roaring Lion. As the war progressed, Israel successfully eliminated many of the country's leaders.

MEMBERS OF the Islamic Republic of Iran team pose prior to the AFC Women's Asian Cup Group A match between South Korea and Iran at Robina Stadium on the Gold Coast, Australia, March 2, 2026.

Iran considers withdrawing from 2026 FIFA World Cup due to regional conflict

According to the Spanish sports outlet, Iran is set to participate in the tournament, which will be co‑hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada.

PLAYERS OF Iran line up prior to the FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifier match between Qatar and IR Iran at Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium on June 05, 2025 in Doha, Qatar.

Beitar’s ‘Crazy 8s’: Yitzchaki’s faith rewarded in historic Netanya rout - comment

When Beitar Jerusalem started to score, score, and score some more this week at Maccabi Netanya, you could feel that the floodgates had opened and there was history in the making.

BEITAR JERUSALEM coach Barak Yitzchaki oversees his side’s emphatic 8-2 victory this week over Maccabi Netanya, a result that reignited the club’s league title charge.

Beitar runs riot over Netanya to remain in title race

Elsewhere, Hapoel Petah Tikva slipped by Maccabi Haifa 1-0 as Mamady Diarra scored the lone goal of the match in the 59th minute to take the points and stay in the Championship Playoff picture.

IT WAS a full team effort for Beitar Jerusalem at Maccabi Netanya, with the capital city side featuring seven different scorers in an 8-2 away rout in league play.

IOC says FIFA president's presence at Board of Peace inaugural meeting doesn't violate neutrality

The boss of global soccer's governing body, who is also an IOC member, took part in Thursday's meeting of the Board of Peace, which is focusing on reconstruction work in Gaza.

FIFA president Gianni Infantino speaks, as he and Argentina's President Javier Milei attend the inaugural Board of Peace meeting at the U.S. Institute of Peace in Washington, DC, US, February 19, 2026.

Stav Turiel’s brace leads Hapoel Tel Aviv to win over Hapoel Jerusalem in Premier League clash

In addition, Maccabi Haifa and Beersheba secure wins while Beitar honors former hostage Elkana Bohbot before a goalless draw with Maccabi Tel Aviv.

HAPOEL TEL AVIV players are all smiles during their 3-1 victory over Hapoel Jerusalem at Teddy Stadium.

Noam Shilian’s inspiring journey back to sport

Hapoel Tel Aviv hosted 11-year-old supporter Noam Shilian at training, offering a special moment of connection as he continues rehabilitation from a rare pain condition.

Noam Shilian enjoys a private visit with Hapoel Tel Aviv players

Ireland commits to Israel fixtures despite calling for their expulsion

Ireland and Israel will face each other in September and November 2026, home and away. The FAI had requested in November 2025 that Israel be expelled from UEFA competitions.

 Barnot Toth of Hungary is challenged by Jack Taylor of Republic of Ireland during the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier match between Republic of Ireland and Hungary at on September 06, 2025 in Dublin, Ireland.

Bethlehem soccer pitch becomes unlikely flashpoint in global soccer politics

The pitch, the IDF Central Command claimed, sat too close to the seam zone, alleging that the structure and its occupants provided an observation point too sensitive for its volatile location.

PALESTINIAN YOUTH soccer players play in a field next to the barrier separating Aida refugee camp from Jerusalem near Bethlehem in the West Bank.