Soccer

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.

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

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.

|ByITAY GODER
HAPOEL BEERSHEBA’S Igor Zlatanovic (front) celebrates after scoring the Reds’ first goal in their 2-1 victory over Beitar Jerusalem this week at Turner Stadium.

Beersheba widens gap on Beitar Jerusalem, Maccabi Tel Aviv blanks Maccabi Bnei Reineh for third

Late headers, big saves, and packed stadiums highlight a dramatic week in the Israeli Premier League.

|ByJOSHUA HALICKMAN
King Mohammed VI of Morocco attends the signing of bilateral agreements at the Agdal Royal Palace on February 13, 2019 in Rabat, Morocco.

Beyond soccer: Morocco’s quest for regional stability in Africa - opinion

Soccer serves as a tool of soft power, and through partnerships with African soccer federations, Rabat has deepened its influence.

|ByEINAT LEVI

Maccabi Haifa displays misogynistic banner during derby soccer match with Hapoel Haifa

The banner showed an offensive, violent, and misogynistic picture of a female fan with the Hapoel Haifa shirt, and caused widespread criticism.

JANUARY 6, 2026ByJERUSALEM POST STAFF
A Maccabi Haifa banner displaying an offensive, violent, and misogynistic picture of a female fan.

Maccabi Haifa wins north soccer derby against Hapoel Haifa 2-0

It may not have been one of the Haifa derbies that will go down in the annals of history, but it did offer some sense of closure for Maccabi after what went down last May.

JANUARY 6, 2026ByJOSHUA HALICKMAN
MACCABI HAIFA midfielder Eitan Azoulay (back) celebrates after scoring his side’s first goal in the 2-0 derby victory over city rival Hapoel Haifa in Israel Premier League action.

Israelis banned from UK sports arena for their own protection, new evidence suggests

Maccabi fan ban was driven by threats against Israelis, not from them; police hid evidence from Home Affairs Committee

JANUARY 6, 2026ByMATHILDA HELLER
POLICE OFFICERS detain a protester outside the stadium during the match, Aston Villa v Maccabi Tel Aviv, Villa Park, Birmingham, Britain, November 6, 2025

Maccabi Tel Aviv keeps pace in Third with conquest of Hapoe

After a fairly even opening 20 minutes, Mathew Cudjoe’s reckless tackle on Helder Lopes saw the midfielder sent off, leaving Sakhnin with only 10 men.

JANUARY 6, 2026ByJOSHUA HALICKMAN
One of Hapoel Beersheba's Kings Kangwa with teammates and one of Beersheba's Dan Bitton celebrating goals

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.