Overview
The Israel national football team, affectionately known as 'HaNivheret' (The National Team), plays a significant role in the nation's sporting identity. Administered by the Israel Football Association (IFA), the team has a distinctive international trajectory, marked by its participation in various continental confederations before its eventual integration into UEFA. The IFA, founded in 1928, joined FIFA in 1929 and initially competed under the mandate for Palestine, making its debut in the 1934 FIFA World Cup qualifiers FIFA World Cup 1934 - Palestine. This historical context underscores a complex journey in international football.
Governing body
The Israel Football Association (IFA) is the governing body of football in Israel. It oversees various aspects of the sport, including the national team, domestic leagues, and youth development. The IFA's headquarters are located in Ramat Gan, and it has been a full member of UEFA since 1994, a move that provided stability and access to Europe's competitive club and international competitions UEFA Member Associations - Israel. Prior to joining UEFA, Israel was a member of the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) and briefly competed under the Oceania Football Confederation (OFC).
Identity and tradition
The team's identity is deeply intertwined with its national spirit. The home kit typically features blue and white, reflecting the national flag, often with the Star of David emblem. Matches played at home, particularly at Bloomfield Stadium in Tel Aviv or Teddy Stadium in Jerusalem, are characterized by passionate support from the Israeli faithful. Despite often being an underdog in major European competitions, the team maintains a resilient and determined approach, frequently drawing on players who have gained experience in top European leagues. This blend of local talent and international exposure contributes to their dynamic, often attacking, style of play.
History
Israel's football history is characterized by significant geopolitical shifts and a unique path through various confederations. The national team's first official match was against Egypt in 1934, competing as the British Mandate of Palestine Israel national football team - Wikipedia. After the establishment of the State of Israel in 1948, the IFA joined the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) in 1954.
The Asian era (1954-1974)
During its time in the AFC, Israel experienced its most significant continental success. The team notably won the AFC Asian Cup in 1964, hosting the tournament and defeating South Korea in the final AFC Asian Cup 1964 - Israel. They also reached the final in 1956 and 1960 and finished third in 1968. This period is often considered a golden age for Israeli football on the continental stage. Furthermore, Israel qualified for the Olympic Games football tournament three times in this era (1968, 1972, 1976), reaching the quarter-finals in 1968 and 1976. The pinnacle of this period was the qualification for the 1970 FIFA World Cup in Mexico, their sole World Cup appearance to date FIFA World Cup 1970 - Israel.
Confederation shifts and UEFA integration
Due to political reasons and boycotts by several Arab and Muslim nations, Israel was expelled from the AFC in 1974. For two decades, the team was left without a permanent confederation, competing sporadically in OFC-sanctioned tournaments and FIFA World Cup qualification rounds as an unaffiliated nation. This period was challenging for the development of Israeli football. In 1992, the IFA became an associate member of UEFA, and by 1994, it gained full membership UEFA Member Associations - Israel. This move marked a new chapter, integrating Israel into the highly competitive European football landscape.
Modern era in UEFA
Since joining UEFA, Israel has consistently participated in European Championship and World Cup qualifiers, facing strong opposition from established European footballing nations. While qualification for major tournaments has proven difficult, the team has produced talented players who have excelled in top European leagues. Memorable moments include strong qualification campaigns, such as for Euro 2000 and the 2006 World Cup, where they narrowly missed out on playoff berths. The team continues to strive for a breakthrough, aiming to emulate their 1970 World Cup achievement within the UEFA framework.
Major honours
Israel's national football team has achieved notable success, particularly during its tenure in the Asian Football Confederation. While a FIFA World Cup title remains elusive, they have a significant continental triumph to their name.
Continental tournaments
Israel's most prestigious honour came in the AFC Asian Cup, where they showcased their dominance in Asia during the mid-20th century.
| Competition | Result | Year(s) |
|---|---|---|
| AFC Asian Cup | Winners | 1964 AFC Asian Cup 1964 - Israel |
| AFC Asian Cup | Runners-up | 1956, 1960 |
| AFC Asian Cup | Third Place | 1968 |
Additionally, Israel's Olympic team has had success, reaching the quarter-finals of the football tournament in both the 1968 Mexico City Olympics and the 1976 Montreal Olympics Israel at the Olympics - Football.
Notable players
Over the decades, the Israel national team has featured numerous talented players who have left a lasting impact on both domestic and international football. These individuals have often been key figures in their respective eras, inspiring future generations.
- Mordechai "Motaleh" Spiegler: Widely considered Israel's greatest ever player, Spiegler was a prolific forward and captain of the 1970 World Cup squad. He remains the national team's all-time leading scorer with 33 goals Mordechai Spiegler - Transfermarkt.
- Eli Ohana: A gifted attacking midfielder, Ohana was a key player for the national team throughout the late 1980s and 1990s. He won the European Golden Boot in 1987 with KV Mechelen.
- Eyal Berkovic: Known for his exceptional playmaking abilities and vision, Berkovic enjoyed a successful career in England with clubs like West Ham United and Manchester City, becoming one of Israel's most recognizable exports.
- Haim Revivo: An elegant attacking midfielder, Revivo was renowned for his set-piece delivery and goalscoring prowess. He was a central figure for Israel in the late 1990s and early 2000s, playing for clubs like Celta Vigo and Fenerbahçe.
- Yossi Benayoun: A creative and versatile midfielder, Benayoun captained the national team and had a distinguished career in the Premier League with Liverpool, Chelsea, and Arsenal. He holds the record for most caps for Israel, with 102 appearances Yossi Benayoun - Transfermarkt.
- Eran Zahavi: A prolific striker, Zahavi has been a consistent goalscorer for the national team and in various leagues, including China and the Netherlands. He is currently Israel's second-highest all-time scorer.
- Manor Solomon: A dynamic winger, Solomon has emerged as one of Israel's brightest talents in recent years. His performances for Shakhtar Donetsk and later in the Premier League have made him a key player for the current national team.
- Oscar Gloukh: Emerging as a highly promising attacking midfielder, Gloukh has quickly established himself as a central figure in the current generation, showcasing technique and vision at a young age with Red Bull Salzburg.
World Cup record
The Israel national football team has made one appearance at the FIFA World Cup finals, a significant achievement in its history.
| Year | Result |
|---|---|
| 1970 (Mexico) | Group Stage FIFA World Cup 1970 - Israel |
In their sole World Cup appearance in 1970, Israel competed in Group 2 alongside Uruguay, Italy, and Sweden. They drew 1-1 with Sweden and 0-0 with Italy, losing only to Uruguay. Despite not advancing past the group stage, their performance, especially against two European powerhouses, was considered commendable for a debutant nation. Qualification for the 1970 tournament came after navigating a challenging intercontinental playoff against Australia 1970 FIFA World Cup qualification (AFC and OFC) - Wikipedia.
Since joining UEFA, Israel has consistently participated in World Cup qualification cycles but has yet to secure another spot in the finals. For the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup, Israel will compete in the UEFA qualification process, aiming to make a return to the global stage. Their qualification status for 2026 is ongoing, with the team looking to build on recent competitive performances to challenge for a place in the expanded tournament.
Current head coach
As of May 2026, the Israel national football team is managed by Alon Hazan. Hazan, a former Israeli international midfielder, was appointed to the position in 2022, succeeding Willi Ruttensteiner. His tenure has focused on developing a more cohesive team identity and integrating younger talents into the senior squad.
Hazan's playing style typically emphasizes an energetic, possession-based approach while maintaining defensive solidity. He often utilizes a flexible tactical setup, adapting to the strengths of his players and the opposition. Key results under his leadership include competitive performances in UEFA Nations League campaigns and Euro 2024 qualifiers, where Israel demonstrated resilience and strategic improvements. His challenge is to guide Israel through the demanding UEFA qualification groups and ultimately lead them to a major international tournament, a feat not achieved since 1970.
How Israel national football team ranks in world football today
As of April 2026, the Israel national football team holds a FIFA ranking of 78th FIFA Men's World Ranking. This position reflects their current standing amidst the competitive landscape of international football, particularly within UEFA. While Israel has shown flashes of brilliance and produced individual talents, consistently competing with Europe's elite has proven challenging.
Their ranking places them among mid-tier European nations, often drawing comparisons with teams like Slovenia, Albania, or Montenegro. The team's trajectory in the FIFA rankings has seen fluctuations, often climbing during strong qualification campaigns and dropping during periods of tougher results. For the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification, Israel will face formidable opponents in their UEFA group, making the path to the finals a significant test of their progress. Their goal remains to secure a playoff spot or direct qualification, demonstrating their capability to compete at the highest level.
"We have a lot of talent in Israel, and we are working hard to build a team that can compete with anyone. The dream of qualifying for a major tournament is alive, and we believe in our process." — Alon Hazan, Israel National Team Head Coach.