Soccer

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.”

|ByGRACE GILSON/JTA
Pro-Palestinian activists protest with a football-shaped sign and a Palestinian flag outside Wembley Stadium on October 2nd, 2025 in London, United Kingdom.
MACCABI TEL AVIV players celebrate their 3-2 victory over Maccabi Haifa in the State Cup semifinal at Teddy Stadium.

Maccabi Tel Aviv downs Haifa in Classico to reach State Cup final

The Israeli Classico, one of the biggest matches that the Holy Land can offer between Maccabi Tel Aviv and Maccabi Haifa, is always an anticipated clash.

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

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.

|ByJAMES GENN
GONZALEZ SCORES for Beitar Jerusalem just 30 seconds into the derby, sending his club on its way to a 2-0 win.

Beitar rules Jerusalem derby; Beersheba takes first

Hapoel coach Ziv Arie lamented the slow start but noted his side created chances, while goalkeeper Nadav Zamir admitted the early goal made the match difficult.

|ByJOSHUA HALICKMAN

Eran Zahavi announces retirement, bringing an era of Israeli soccer to a close

After months of speculation and deliberation, the all-time leading scorer of the Israel national team confirmed that he will not return to the pitch.

JANUARY 1, 2026ByJERUSALEM POST SPORTS STAFF
ERAN ZAHAVI, the all-time leading scorer of the Israel national team, bid farewell to the pitch at 38, closing the curtain on a legendary career defined by goals, records and unforgettable moments.

Daniel Peretz to Southampton, Manor Solomon to Fiorentina in midseason moves - report

Reports say goalkeeper Daniel Peretz is nearing a loan move to Southampton, while winger Manor Solomon could switch from Villarreal to Fiorentina this month.

DECEMBER 31, 2025ByJERUSALEM POST STAFF
DANIEL PERETZ begins a new chapter with Hamburger SV as he looks to secure the starting role in the Bundesliga.

State Cup weekend sees Beitar comeback and dominant displays by top clubs

Beitar survives the rain • Mac Tel Aviv and Mac Haifa run amok • Hap Tel Aviv, Beersheba advance

DECEMBER 28, 2025ByJOSHUA HALICKMAN
BEITAR JERUSALEM’S Omer Atzili celebrates after his goal during the 2-1 victory for the capital city side over Ironi Tiberias in the State Cup round-of-32.

'Angelic, full of joy': Ashdod mayor honors 27-year-old Dan Alkayim, killed in Bondi Beach attack

Alkayim's death was announced by French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot in a post to X/Twitter in the hours after the attack.

DECEMBER 25, 2025ByJERUSALEM POST STAFF
Friends and family attend the funeral of Dan Alkayim, who was murdered in a mass terrorist shooting attack on December 14, 2025 at Bondi Beach in Sydney, at a cemetery in Ashdod, southern Israel, December 25, 2025.

Beitar’s late goal shocks Maccabi Haifa at Sammy Ofer Stadium

Combined with Beersheba’s loss, Jerusalem tightens title race • Maccabi Tel Aviv draws Netanya

DECEMBER 24, 2025ByJOSHUA HALICKMAN
BEITAR JERUSALEM’S Ziv Ben Shimol celebrates with coach Barak Itzhaki after he scored the game-winning goal in the 2-1 road victory over Maccabi Haifa.

Israeli sports icon Avi Meller passes away at 72 after battle with cancer

One of the most veteran and recognizable broadcasters and soccer commentators in the country, Meller was regarded as one of Israel’s leading experts on world soccer.

DECEMBER 23, 2025ByJERUSALEM POST SPORTS STAFF
The late Avi Meller was one of the most recognizable and beloved voices in Israeli sports broadcasting, whose passion for soccer and distinctive commentary accompanied generations of fans over decades.

High Court rules Hapoel Tel Aviv fans can wear anti-police shirts to soccer matches

The court's ruling came after hearing a petition by Hapoel Tel Aviv fans, who will be allowed to arrive at games wearing shirts bearing anti-police illustrations as soon as Saturday.

DECEMBER 20, 2025ByJERUSALEM POST STAFF
Police stand guard after the Israeli Premier League match between Hapoel Tel Aviv and Maccabi Tel Aviv was canceled at Bloomfield Stadium in Tel Aviv, on October 19, 2025.

Last-minute soccer drama, big wins shake up table

Beitar Jerusalem edges Bnei Sakhnin to keep pace with Hapoel Beersheba, Maccabi Tel Aviv and Hapoel Petah Tikvah draw

DECEMBER 16, 2025ByJOSHUA HALICKMAN
ADI YONA enjoyed a breakout performance for Beitar Jerusalem on Monday, scoring both goals in the 2-1 victory over Bnei Sakhnin at Teddy Stadium.

'Goals, chaos and rising stars': A wild start to the Israel Premier League soccer season

There were upsets, drama, up-and-coming players, as well as disappointments and unfortunate incidents that the league would no doubt like to improve on as the campaign heads into round two.

DECEMBER 12, 2025ByJOSHUA HALICKMAN
DAN BITTON and Hapoel Beersheba have been the cream of the crop so far through the first of two rounds of play in the Israel Premier League season.

Israeli soccer star Talia Sommer signs with Gotham FC

For the 21-year-old midfielder from Tel Aviv, the moment marks the fulfillment of a lifelong dream.

DECEMBER 11, 2025ByJERUSALEM POST SPORTS STAFF
TALIA SOMMER takes Israeli women’s soccer to new heights by joining the NWSL