Israel national football team

Israel
Nickname(s)הכחולים-לבנים (The Blue and Whites)
הנבחרת (The Chosen Team)
AssociationIsrael Football Association (IFA)
ConfederationUEFA (Europe; 1980–81; 1991–present)
OFC (Oceania; 1985–89)
AFC (Asia; 1954–74)
Head coachAlon Hazan
CaptainBibras Natcho
Most capsYossi Benayoun (101)[lower-alpha 1]
Top scorerEran Zahavi (33)
FIFA codeISR
First colours
Second colours
Third colours
FIFA ranking
Current 76 (6 October 2022)[1]
Highest15 (November 2008)
Lowest99 (January 2018)
First international
 Egypt 5–0 Mandatory Palestine 
(Cairo, Egypt; 4 April 1930)
as the State of Israel:
 US Olympic Team 3–1 Israel 
(New York, United States; 26 September 1948)
Biggest win
 Israel 9–0 Chinese Taipei 
(Wellington, New Zealand; 23 March 1988)
Biggest defeat
 Yugoslavia 6–0 Israel 
(Belgrade, Yugoslavia; 21 August 1949)
 Italy 6–0 Israel 
(Turin, Italy; 4 November 1961)
 Germany 7–1 Israel 
(Kaiserslautern, Germany; 13 February 2002)
World Cup
Appearances1 (first in 1970)
Best resultGroup stage (1970)
Asian Cup
Appearances4 (first in 1956)
Best resultChampions (1964)
Asian Games
Appearances2 (first in 1958)
Best result Silver Medal (1974)
Medal record
AFC Asian Cup
1956 Hong KongTeam
1960 South KoreaTeam
1964 IsraelTeam
1968 IranTeam
Asian Games
1974 IranTeam

The Israel national football team (Hebrew: נבחרת ישראל בכדורגל, romanized: Nivheret Yisra'el BeKaduregel) represents Israel in international football, and is governed by the Israel Football Association (IFA).

Israel's national team is the direct successor of the Mandatory Palestine national team, which played five internationals in 1934–1940, and was managed by the Palestine Football Association. The Israel Football Association is a full member of the European Confederation UEFA since 1994.

Israel qualified for the FIFA World Cup for the first time in 1970. They also won the 1964 AFC Asian Cup prior to a forced relocation to UEFA.

History

Early history

Football has a long tradition in Israel. The game was originally introduced during the time of the Ottoman Empire. The Palestinian Football Association was formed in August 1928, and joined FIFA in June 1929, but at the time the association was made up of Arab clubs, Jewish clubs, and clubs representing British policemen and soldiers serving in the region during the British Mandate rule that spanned the period between World War I and the creation of the State of Israel in 1948. The British Mandate of Palestine national team made its debut against Cairo (Egypt) in 1934 FIFA World Cup qualification, losing 0–5 in Cairo, Egypt. The team played five international matches, including a friendly match against Lebanon that Israel won 1–5; until the British Mandate for Palestine national team was dissolved. During those five games, the national team fielded only Jewish players. Three anthems were played before each match: the British "God Save the King", the Jewish (and future Israeli) "Hatikvah", and the opposing team's anthem.[2]

In 1948 the team became, officially, the national football team of (the State of) Israel.[3] The Israel national team's first match as an independent nation was on 26 September 1948, against the US Olympic Team. The game was won by the US 1–3, and in the 20th minute of the game Shmuel Ben-Dror scored the first goal after the creation of the State of Israel.

Asian Football Confederation membership
See also: Association football and politics § The Muslim and Arab World boycotting Israel, Mediterranean Games § Participating countries, and Asian Football Confederation § Israel's boycott by Muslim and Arab countries
Israel winning the 1964 AFC Asian Cup

Muslim and Arab countries boycotting Israel

Israel was one of the founding members of the AFC (Asian Football Confederation) following its own independence in 1948 (prior to that it played under the banner of the "British Mandate of Palestine".[4] After the 1974 Asian Games in Iran, and Israel's 0–1 tense loss to Iran in the finals,[5] Kuwait and other Muslim and Arab countries refused to play them. Following this, Israel were expelled from the confederation and spent a few years trying to qualify from such continental bodies as the OFC (Oceania), before eventually joining UEFA (Europe) officially.[6]

Israel's last years in the AFC

Israel competed at the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) between 1954 and 1974. Due to the Arab League boycott of Israel, several Muslim countries refused to compete against Israel. The political situation culminated in Israel winning the 1958 World Cup qualifying stage for Asia and Africa without playing a single game, forcing FIFA to schedule a playoff between Israel and Wales to ensure the team did not qualify without playing at least one game (which Wales won).

Israel hosted and won the 1964 AFC Asian Cup.

In 1968, Israel went to their first Olympic Games and lost to Bulgaria in the quarterfinals.

Israel national team at the Bloomfield Stadium of Tel Aviv, Israel, in 1970

In 1969, Israel qualified for its first and only FIFA World Cup, via Asia/Oceania. Israel earned two points after a 1–1 draw with Sweden, a 0–0 draw with eventual finalist Italy, and a 0–2 loss to Uruguay. The goal against Sweden, scored by Mordechai Spiegler, is Israel's only FIFA World Cup goal to date.

In 1974, Israel was excluded from AFC competitions, as a result of a proposal by Kuwait (as other Muslim and Arab countries refused to play against Israel), that was adopted by a vote of 17 to 13 with 6 abstentions.[7][6] The vote coincided with the 1974 Asian Games, where the football competition was marred by the refusal of both North Korea[8] and Kuwait to play second-round matches against Israel.

In 1976, Israel went to its second Olympic Games and lost in the quarterfinals again, this time against Brazil. In 1972 and 1977, it attempted World Cup qualification as part of Asia, which both times ended in failure.

First steps in UEFA

During the early 1980s, Israel played the majority of its matches against UEFA (Europe) teams, and competed in the European stage of qualification for the 1982 FIFA World Cup.

Ronny Rosenthal playing for Israel at the 1990 FIFA World Cup qualification (Oceania) against New Zealand

First steps in OFC

For the next two tournaments, Israel entered Oceania's (OFC) qualification stage.

In 1989, Israel won the OFC Second Round (Oceania) by finishing above both Australia and New Zealand. As a result, Israel made it to the CONMEBOL–OFC play-offs to represent Oceania and play against CONMEBOL's (South America) Colombia for the 1990 World Cup, but lost (1–0, 0–0).

UEFA membership

In 1991, Israeli clubs began participating in European club competitions of UEFA, and Israel returned to the European leg of World Cup qualifying in 1992. In 1994, Israel received full UEFA membership, 20 years after it had left Asia. Within Europe, Israel has been a relatively minor nation, though with some successes, notably winning 3–2 in Paris against France in 1993, and 5–0 against Austria in 1999. That year, Israel made it to the UEFA Euro 2000 qualifying play-offs, but was beaten by Denmark.

Israel came close to advancing to the playoff stage in their 2006 World Cup qualifying group, finishing third, behind France, and tied on points with Switzerland, which also remained unbeaten in 10 matches after 4 wins and 6 draws. The Swiss had a better goal difference, though, and advanced to the qualification play-off. Coach Avram Grant announced his resignation on 26 October 2005. After the end of his contract, he was succeeded by Dror Kashtan.

In UEFA Euro 2008 qualifying, Israel came very close to qualifying for the final tournament, but finished fourth in Group E, just one point behind second-placed Russia, who qualified directly with Croatia, and level on 23 points with England, who also failed to advance. The 4–3 home loss to Croatia was the first loss after 13 consecutive official games and 9 home games without a loss.

In 2010 FIFA World Cup qualification, Israel again came in fourth, behind Switzerland, Greece, and Latvia. For the UEFA Euro 2012 qualifying campaign, Kashtan was replaced as coach by Frenchman Luis Fernández but Israel failed to qualify again, finishing third behind Greece and Croatia.

The continued presence of the Israeli Football Association in UEFA was a precedent cited by Australia to justify its transfer from the Oceania Football Confederation to the Asian Football Confederation.[9]

In 2018, Willi Ruttensteiner was appointed as technical director. A national football academy was founded and three supporting development centers were established.[10]

Home stadium

The first home game of the Israel national football team was at Palms Ground on 6 April 1934 against Egypt in a 1934 World Cup qualifier. Prior to the formation of Israel, they also played at the Maccabi Ground for the 1938 FIFA World Cup qualifiers and Maccabiah Stadium. The first national team to represent the newly-formed State of Israel back in 1948, had played at the Ramat Gan Stadium as part of 1954 FIFA World Cup qualification, in front of 55,000 spectators. The Ramat Gan Stadium would remain Israel's home stadium until 2013.

Since the construction of Sammy Ofer Stadium in the city of Haifa, Teddy Stadium in the city of Jerusalem, Turner Stadium in the city of Be'er Sheva, Netanya Stadium in the city of Netanya, and Bloomfield Stadium in the city of Tel Aviv – the Israel national team has rotated their home matches between the latter five.

Active stadiums
Matches Image Stadium Capacity Location First match Last match
50
UEFA 		Bloomfield Stadium 29,400 Tel Aviv, Israel 17 May 1964 24 September 2022
13
UEFA 		Teddy Stadium 31,733 Jerusalem, Israel 12 February 1992 16 November 2019
12
UEFA 		Sammy Ofer Stadium 30,780 Haifa, Israel 16 November 2014 2 June 2022
9
UEFA 		Netanya Stadium 13,610 Netanya, Israel 6 February 2013 15 November 2021
4
UEFA 		Turner Stadium 16,126 Be'er Sheva, Israel 14 October 2018 12 October 2021

Inactive stadiums
Matches Image Stadium Capacity Location First match Last match
139 Ramat Gan Stadium 41,583 Ramat Gan, Israel 8 March 1954 15 October 2013
3 Maccabiah Stadium 20,000 Tel Aviv, Israel 30 July 1949 28 October 1950

Kit suppliers
Kit supplier Origin Period
Diadora Italy 1992–1995
Adidas Germany 2008–2018
Puma Germany 1985–1989
1996–2008
2018–present

Results and fixtures

  Win   Draw   Loss   Fixtures

2021
12 November 2021 2022 FIFA World Cup qualification Austria  4–2  Israel Klagenfurt, Austria
20:45 (21:45 UTC+2)
  • Arnautović 51' (pen.)
  • Schaub 62', 72'
  • Sabitzer 84'
 Report (FIFA)
Report (UEFA)
  • Bitton 33'
  • Peretz 59'
 Stadium: Wörthersee Stadion
Attendance: 4,300[11]
Referee: Ovidiu Hațegan (Romania)
15 November 2021 2022 FIFA World Cup qualification Israel  3–2  Faroe Islands Netanya, Israel
19:45 (21:45 UTC+2)
  • Dabbur 30' (pen.)
  • Weissman 58'
  • Peretz 75'
 Report (FIFA)
Report (UEFA)
  • Vatnhamar 62'
  • K. Olsen 72'
 Stadium: Netanya Stadium
Attendance: 6,800[12][13]
Referee: Jérôme Brisard (France)

2022
26 March 2022 Friendly Germany  2–0  Israel Sinsheim, Germany
21:45 UTC+2 (22:45 UTC+3)
  • Havertz 36'
  • Werner 45+1'
 Report
Report (UEFA)		 Stadium: PreZero Arena
Attendance: 25,600
Referee: Maurizio Mariani (Italy)
29 March 2022 Friendly Israel  2–2  Romania Netanya, Israel
19:45 UTC+2 (20:45 UTC+3)
  • Dabbur 57', 85'
 Report
Report (UEFA)
  • Cicâldău 10'
  • Man 23'
 Stadium: Netanya Stadium
Attendance: 6,970[14]
Referee: Daniel Stefański (Poland)
2 June 2022 2022–23 UEFA Nations League Israel  2–2  Iceland Haifa, Israel
18:45 (21:45 UTC+3)
  • Abada 25'
  • Weissman 84'
 Report (UEFA)
  • Helgason 42'
  • Sigurðsson 53'
 Stadium: Sammy Ofer Stadium
Attendance: 13,150
Referee: Andris Treimanis (Latvia)
6 June 2022 2022–23 UEFA Nations League Israel  Cancelled  Russia[lower-alpha 2] Haifa, Israel
19:45 (21:45 UTC+3) Report (UEFA) Stadium: Sammy Ofer Stadium
10 June 2022 2022–23 UEFA Nations League Albania  1–2  Israel Tirana, Albania
20:45 (21:45 UTC+3)
  • Broja 45+2' (pen.)
 Report (UEFA)
  • Solomon 57', 73'
 Stadium: Arena Kombëtare
Attendance: 18,100
Referee: Tiago Martins (Portugal)
13 June 2022 2022–23 UEFA Nations League Iceland  2–2  Israel Reykjavík, Iceland
18:45 (21:45 UTC+3)
  • Þorsteinsson 9'
  • Helgason 60'
 Report (UEFA)
  • Grétarsson 35' (o.g.)
  • Peretz 65'
 Stadium: Laugardalsvöllur
Attendance: 2,778
Referee: Duje Strukan (Croatia)
24 September 2022 2022–23 UEFA Nations League Israel  2–1  Albania Tel Aviv, Israel
20:45 (21:45 UTC+3)
  • Weissman 46'
  • Baribo 90+1'
 Report (UEFA)
  • Uzuni 88'
 Stadium: Bloomfield Stadium
Attendance: 29,200
Referee: Donatas Rumšas (Lithuania)
27 September 2022 2022–23 UEFA Nations League Russia [lower-alpha 2] Cancelled  Israel Russia
19:45 (21:45 UTC+3) Report (UEFA)
27 September 2022 Friendly Malta  2–1  Israel Ta' Qali, Malta
21:00 UTC+2 (22:00 UTC+3)
  • Satariano 84'
  • Apap 86'
 Report
  • Natcho 32' (pen.)
 Stadium: National Stadium
Referee: Eldorjan Hamiti (Albania)
17 November 2022 Friendly Israel  v  Zambia Petah Tikva, Israel
Stadium: HaMoshava Stadium
20 November 2022 Friendly Israel  v  Cyprus Petah Tikva, Israel
Stadium: HaMoshava Stadium

2023
25 March 2023 UEFA Euro 2024 qualifying Israel  v  Kosovo TBD, Israel
20:45 (22:45 UTC+3) Report (UEFA) Stadium: TBD
28 March 2023 UEFA Euro 2024 qualifying Switzerland   v  Israel TBD, Switzerland
20:45 Report (UEFA) Stadium: TBD
16 June 2023 UEFA Euro 2024 qualifying Belarus  v  Israel TBD
20:45 Report (UEFA) Stadium: TBD
19 June 2023 UEFA Euro 2024 qualifying Israel  v  Andorra TBD, Israel
20:45 (21:45 UTC+3) Report (UEFA) Stadium: TBD
9 September 2023 UEFA Euro 2024 qualifying Romania  v  Israel Bucharest, Romania
20:45 (21:45 UTC+3) Report (UEFA) Stadium: Stadionul Steaua
12 September 2023 UEFA Euro 2024 qualifying Israel  v  Belarus TBD, Israel
20:45 (21:45 UTC+3) Report (UEFA) Stadium: TBD
12 October 2023 UEFA Euro 2024 qualifying Israel  v   Switzerland TBD, Israel
20:45 (21:45 UTC+3) Report (UEFA) Stadium: TBD
15 October 2023 UEFA Euro 2024 qualifying Kosovo  v  Israel Prishtina, Kosovo
20:45 Report (UEFA) Stadium: Fadil Vokrri Stadium
18 November 2023 UEFA Euro 2024 qualifying Israel  v  Romania TBD, Israel
20:45 (21:45 UTC+3) Report (UEFA) Stadium: TBD
21 November 2023 UEFA Euro 2024 qualifying Andorra  v  Israel Andorra la Vella, Andorra
20:45 Report (UEFA) Stadium: Estadi Nacional

Coaching staff
Avram Grant has been the youngest official head coach of Israel
As of 15 Septembmer 2022[17][18]
Position Name
Head coach Alon Hazan
Professional /

Technical manager

 Yossi Benayoun
Assistant coach Alon Harazi
Fitness coach Eran Shedo
Goalkeeping coach Itay Zilfa
Analyst Maayan Bahalul
Technical manager Benny Tabak
Head doctor Ehud "Udi" Kaufman
Doctor Michal Goldwirth

Coaching history

Players

Current squad

The following players were called up for the 2022–23 UEFA Nations League group stage match against Albania and the friendly match against Malta on 24 September 2022 and 27 September 2022, respectively.[31][32][33][34][35][36][37][38]

Caps and goals updated as of 27 September 2022, after the match against Malta.[39][40][41][42]

No. Pos. Player Date of birth (age) Caps Goals Club
1 1GK Yoav Gerafi (1993-08-29) 29 August 1993 1 0 Ashdod
18 1GK Ofir Marciano (4th captain) (1989-10-07) 7 October 1989 40 0 Feyenoord
23 1GK Omri Glazer (1996-03-11) 11 March 1996 2 0 Hapoel Be'er Sheva
2 2DF Eli Dasa (vice-captain) (1992-12-03) 3 December 1992 50 0 Dynamo Moscow
4 2DF Miguel Vítor (1989-06-30) 30 June 1989 4 0 Hapoel Be'er Sheva
5 2DF Eyad Abu Abaid (1994-12-31) 31 December 1994 6 0 Hapoel Be'er Sheva
13 2DF Sean Goldberg (1995-06-13) 13 June 1995 6 0 Maccabi Haifa
14 2DF Or Dadia (1997-07-12) 12 July 1997 1 0 Hapoel Be'er Sheva
17 2DF Denny Gropper (1999-03-16) 16 March 1999 2 0 Ludogorets Razgrad
19 2DF Doron Leidner (2002-04-26) 26 April 2002 4 0 Olympiacos
20 2DF Raz Shlomo (1999-08-13) 13 August 1999 2 0 Maccabi Netanya
2DF Maroun Gantous (1996-07-15) 15 July 1996 1 0 Bnei Sakhnin
3 3MF Dan Glazer (1996-09-20) 20 September 1996 17 0 Maccabi Tel Aviv
6 3MF Bibras Natcho (captain) (1988-02-18) 18 February 1988 86 4 Partizan
7 3MF Omer Atzili (1993-07-27) 27 July 1993 6 0 Maccabi Haifa
8 3MF Dolev Haziza (1995-07-05) 5 July 1995 10 0 Maccabi Haifa
12 3MF Neta Lavi (1996-08-25) 25 August 1996 10 0 Maccabi Haifa
16 3MF Gabi Kanichowsky (1997-08-24) 24 August 1997 3 0 Maccabi Tel Aviv
22 3MF Eden Kartsev (2000-04-11) 11 April 2000 4 0 Maccabi Netanya
3MF Ramzi Safouri (1995-10-21) 21 October 1995 4 0 Hapoel Be'er Sheva INJ
3MF Goni Naor (1999-04-23) 23 April 1999 1 0 Hapoel Jerusalem
3MF Rotem Hatuel (1998-04-12) 12 April 1998 1 0 Hapoel Be'er Sheva
3MF Guy Badash (1994-05-24) 24 May 1994 1 0 Hapoel Jerusalem
3MF Shay Elias (1999-02-25) 25 February 1999 1 0 Hapoel Be'er Sheva
9 4FW Shon Weissman (1996-02-14) 14 February 1996 25 4 Real Valladolid INJ
10 4FW Omri Altman (1994-03-23) 23 March 1994 1 0 AEK Larnaca
11 4FW Liel Abada (2001-10-03) 3 October 2001 9 1 Celtic
15 4FW Itamar Shviro (1998-06-17) 17 June 1998 1 0 Ironi Kiryat Shmona
21 4FW Tai Baribo (1998-01-15) 15 January 1998 5 1 Wolfsberger AC
4FW Guy Melamed (1992-12-21) 21 December 1992 1 0 Bnei Sakhnin

Recent call-ups

The following players have also been called-up to the Israel squad within the last 12 months.

Pos. Player Date of birth (age) Caps Goals Club Latest call-up
GK Itamar Nitzan (1987-06-23) 23 June 1987 1 0 Maccabi Netanya v.  Romania, 29 March 2022
GK Daniel Peretz (2000-07-10) 10 July 2000 0 0 Maccabi Tel Aviv v.  Faroe Islands, 15 November 2021 PRE / U-21
DF Nir Bitton (3rd captain) (1991-10-30) 30 October 1991 39 3 Maccabi Tel Aviv v.  Albania, 24 September 2022 INJ
DF Sun Menahem (1993-09-07) 7 September 1993 19 0 Maccabi Haifa v.  Iceland, 13 June 2022 SUS
DF Omri Gandelman (2000-05-16) 16 May 2000 2 0 Maccabi Netanya v.  Iceland, 13 June 2022 PRE / INJ
DF Orel Dgani (1989-01-08) 8 January 1989 21 0 Beitar Jerusalem v.  Romania, 29 March 2022
DF Ofir Davidzada (1991-05-05) 5 May 1991 16 0 Maccabi Tel Aviv v.  Romania, 29 March 2022
DF Maor Kandil (1993-11-27) 27 November 1993 3 0 Maccabi Tel Aviv v.  Romania, 29 March 2022
DF Matan Baltaxa (1995-09-20) 20 September 1995 1 0 Austria Vienna v.  Romania, 29 March 2022
DF Eitan Tibi (5th captain) (1987-11-16) 16 November 1987 57 1 Hapoel Be'er Sheva v.  Faroe Islands, 15 November 2021
DF Hatem Abd Elhamed (1991-03-18) 18 March 1991 16 0 Hapoel Haifa v.  Faroe Islands, 15 November 2021 INJ / WD
DF Ofri Arad (1998-09-11) 11 September 1998 8 0 Maccabi Haifa v.  Faroe Islands, 15 November 2021
DF Shahar Piven (1995-09-21) 21 September 1995 0 0 Maccabi Tel Aviv v.  Faroe Islands, 15 November 2021 PRE
DF Joel Abu Hanna (1998-01-22) 22 January 1998 6 0 Lechia Gdańsk v.  Moldova, 12 October 2021 INJ
DF Idan Nachmias (1997-03-17) 17 March 1997 1 0 Maccabi Tel Aviv v.  Scotland, 9 October 2021 INJ
DF Edi Gotlieb (1992-08-16) 16 August 1992 0 0 Hapoel Tel Aviv v.  Scotland, 9 October 2021 INJ / PRE
MF Manor Solomon (1999-07-24) 24 July 1999 31 6 Fulham v.  Iceland, 13 June 2022 INJ
MF Dor Peretz (1995-05-17) 17 May 1995 30 5 Maccabi Tel Aviv v.  Iceland, 13 June 2022 SUS
MF Mohammad Abu Fani (1998-04-27) 27 April 1998 13 0 Maccabi Haifa v.  Iceland, 13 June 2022
MF Mahmoud Jaber (1999-10-05) 5 October 1999 3 0 Maccabi Haifa v.  Iceland, 13 June 2022 INJ
MF Yonatan Cohen (1996-06-29) 29 June 1996 8 0 Pisa v.  Romania, 29 March 2022
MF Aviv Daniel Avraham (1996-03-30) 30 March 1996 2 0 Maccabi Netanya v.  Romania, 29 March 2022
MF Eyal Golasa (1991-10-07) 7 October 1991 17 0 Maccabi Tel Aviv v.  Austria, 12 November 2021 INJ
MF Gadi Kinda (1994-03-23) 23 March 1994 5 1 Sporting KC v.  Austria, 12 November 2021 INJ
MF Eden Shamir (1995-06-25) 25 June 1995 0 0 Hapoel Be'er Sheva v.  Moldova, 12 October 2021 PRE
FW Mu'nas Dabbur RET (1992-05-14) 14 May 1992 40 15 Hoffenheim v.  Iceland, 13 June 2022
FW Dean David (1996-03-14) 14 March 1996 2 0 Maccabi Haifa v.  Romania, 29 March 2022
FW Suf Podgoreanu (2002-01-20) 20 January 2002 2 0 Maccabi Haifa v.  Faroe Islands, 15 November 2021 U-21 / INJ
FW Eran Zahavi RET (1987-07-25) 25 July 1987 70 33 Maccabi Tel Aviv v.  Austria, 12 November 2021

INJ Withdrew due to injury or illness
PRE Preliminary squad/standby
RET Retired from the national team
SUS Serving suspension due to yellow/red cards
WD Player withdrew from the squad due to neither injury nor illness issue
U-21 Player withdrew from the squad to play for the national under-21 team

Records
As of 24 September 2022[43]
Players in bold are still active with Israel.
Statistics include official FIFA-recognised matches only.

Most capped players
Yossi Benayoun is Israel's most capped player with 101 caps
RankPlayerCapsGoalsCareer
1 Yossi Benayoun[lower-alpha 1] 101231998–2017
2 Tal Ben Haim[lower-alpha 3] 9522002–2017
3 Arik Benado9401995–2007
4 Alon Harazi8811992–2006
5 Bibras Natcho8642010–present
6 Amir Schelach8501992–2001
7 Avi Nimni80171992–2005
8 Eyal Berkovic7891992–2004
Dudu Aouate7801999–2013
10 Tal Banin[lower-alpha 4] 77121990–2003

Top goalscorers
Eran Zahavi is Israel's top goalscorer with 33 goals
RankPlayerGoalsCapsRatioCareer
1 Eran Zahavi33700.472010–2021
2 Mordechai Spiegler[lower-alpha 5] 24570.421964–1977
3 Ronen Harazi23520.441992–1999
Yossi Benayoun[lower-alpha 1]231010.231998–2017
5 Nahum Stelmach[lower-alpha 6] 19450.421956–1968
6 Alon Mizrahi17370.461992–2001
Tomer Hemed17380.452011–present
Eli Ohana[lower-alpha 7]17500.341984–1997
Avi Nimni17800.211992–2005
10 Yehoshua Feigenbaum[lower-alpha 8]15360.421966–1977
Mu'nas Dabbur15400.382014–2022

Competitive record

FIFA World Cup
Israel's FIFA World Cup record Qualification record
Year Round Pos Pld W D L GF GA Squad Outcome Pld W D L GF GA Confederation
As  Mandatory Palestine As  Mandatory Palestine
1930 Did not enter Did not enter
1934 Did not qualify2nd2002211Africa/Asia
1938 2nd200214Europe
As  Israel As  Israel
1950 Did not qualify2nd2002211Europe
1954 3rd400405
1958 Play-off200204CAF/AFC
1962 Final Round63121314UEFA
1966 3rd4004112
1970 Group stage12th302113Squad Final Round431081AFC/OFC
1974 Did not qualifyZone A Final 6411122
1978 First Round421153
1982 5th8134610UEFA
1986 2nd6312176OFC
1990 Play-off614155
1994 6th101361027UEFA
1998 3rd841397
2002 3rd8332117
2006 3rd104601510
2010 4th104422010
2014 3rd103521914
2018 4th104061015
2022 3rd105142321
2026 To be determined To be determined
Total1/22Group stage302113 130433552180180

UEFA European Championship
Israel's UEFA European Championship record UEFA European Championship Qualification record
Year Round Pos Pld W D L GF GA Squad Outcome Pld W D L GF GA
1960–1992 Not a UEFA member Not a UEFA member
1996 Did not qualify5th 103341313
2000 Play-offs 8413259
2004 3rd 8233911
2008 4th 127232012
2012 3rd 105141311
2016 4th 104151614
2020 Play-offs 113351618
2024 To be determined
Total 6928142711288

UEFA Nations League
UEFA Nations League record
Year Division Group Pos Pld W D L GF GA RK P/R
2018–19 C 1 2nd42026530
2020–21 B 2 3rd62227725
2022–23 B 2 1st42208617
2024–25 A TBD TBD1-16
Total B — 1st 14 6 4 4 21 18 17 —

Olympic Games
Olympic Games record
YearRoundPositionPldWDLGFGASquad
1952 Did not enter
1956
1960 Did not qualify
1964
1968 Quarter-finals–421197Squad
1972 Did not qualify
1976 Quarter-finals–403147Squad
1980 Withdrew
1984 Did not qualify
1988
1992 – present Competition played as an Under-23 competition
TotalQuarter-finals2/1082421314–

Head-to-head record

As of 3 March 2022.

  Positive record   Neutral record   Negative record

FIFA World Ranking history

The following is a chart of yearly averages of Israel's FIFA World Ranking.[44]

Honours

Titles

FIFA World Cup Inter-confederation play-offs

CONMEBOL v OFC

  • Runners-up: 1990 (representing OFC)

CAF/AFC v UEFA

  • Runners-up: 1958 (representing CAF/AFC)

OFC Second Round

  • Champions: 1990 (as a non-OFC member)

AFC and OFC Final Round

  • Champions: 1970 (representing AFC)

UEFA Group 1

  • Third place: 1966 (as a non-UEFA member)

UEFA Group 7 Final Round

  • Runners-up: 1962 (as a non-UEFA member)

AFC Asian Cup

  • Champions: 1964
  • Runners-up: 1956, 1960
  • Third place: 1968

Asian Games

  • Silver Medal: 1974

Awards
Overview
Event 1st place 2nd place 3rd place 4th place 5th place
FIFA World Cup 0 0 0 0 0
FIFA World Cup Inter-confederation play-offs
→ CONMEBOL v OFC 0 1 x x x
→ CAF/AFC v UEFA 0 1 x x x
→ OFC Second Round 1 0 0 x x
→ AFC and OFC Final Round 1 0 x x x
→ UEFA Group 1 0 0 1 x x
→ UEFA Group 7 Final Round 0 1 0 0 x
AFC Asian Cup 1 1+1 1 0 0
Summer Olympic Games 0 0 0 0 1
Asian Games 0 1 0 0 1
UEFA Euro 0 0 x x x
UEFA Nations League 0 0 0 0 x
Total 3 6 2 0 2

See also
  • UEFA European Football Championship
  • Israel women's national football team
  • Israel national under-21 football team
  • Israel national under-20 football team
  • Israel national under-19 football team
  • Israel national under-18 football team
  • Israel national under-17 football team
  • Israel national under-16 football team
  • Football in Israel
  • Sports in Israel
  • Israeli Premier League

Notes
  1. Yossi Benayoun also played and scored against Romania B however this was not a full-international match and is therefore not included
  2. On 2 May 2022, UEFA announced that Russia were suspended and automatically relegated to League C due to their country's invasion of Ukraine.[15]
  3. Tal Ben Haim also played against Romania B however this was not a full-international match and is therefore not included
  4. Tal Banin also played against USSR XI however this was not a full-international match and is therefore not included
  5. Mordechai Spiegler also played in 25 matches that are not recognised by FIFA, scoring eight additional goals, however they are not full-international matches and are therefore not included
  6. Nahum Stelmach also played in 19 matches that are not recognised by FIFA, scoring three additional goals, however they are not full-international matches and are therefore not included
  7. Eli Ohana also played a 1984 Olympic qualification game however this was not a full-international match and is therefore not included
  8. Yehoshua Feigenbaum also played in 15 matches that are not recognised by FIFA, scoring nine additional goals, however they are not full-international matches and are therefore not included
  9. Includes matches against  West Germany.
  10. Includes matches against  Soviet Union.
  11. Includes matches against  Yugoslavia and  Serbia and Montenegro.
  12. As  South Vietnam.

References
  1. "The FIFA/Coca-Cola World Ranking". FIFA. 6 October 2022. Retrieved 6 October 2022.
  2. Mubarak, Hassanin. "Palestine – International Results – Details". RSSSF. Retrieved 20 July 2013.
  3. "Statistical Kit: Preliminary Draw for the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil" (PDF). FIFA.com. 28 June 2011. p. 53. Retrieved 21 December 2020. A Jewish delegation from Palestine (then a British mandate) played at the qualifying games for 1934 & 1938. It was the first Jewish national team, and as such the forerunner of Israel.
  4. "Site-Map-Israel-Football-Facts—Stats". Retrieved 19 May 2016.
  5. "Bayati recalls Iran's tense win over Israel".
  6. Montague, James (27 February 2008). "Time is right for Israel to return to its Asian roots". The Guardian. London.
  7. "Aust-Asian bid fails". The Sydney Morning Herald. 16 September 1974. p. 11. Retrieved 10 July 2014.
  8. Rahman, Mansoor (14 September 1974). "'Visibles' win without any kick..." New Straits Times. p. 22. Retrieved 10 July 2014.
  9. Williams, Richard (19 May 2015). "Why Does Israel's Football Team Play In Europe?". Sky News. Retrieved 8 August 2016.
  10. Willi Ruttensteiner ist nicht mehr Teamchef von Israel, der Standard, 2022-02-07.
  11. "Austria vs. Israel" (JSON). Union of European Football Associations. 12 November 2021. Retrieved 12 November 2021.
  12. "נבחרת ישראל ניצחה 2:3 את איי פארו, שער יפה לדור פרץ, תקציר | ספורט 1". 15 November 2021.
  13. "Israel vs. Faroe Islands" (JSON). Union of European Football Associations. 15 November 2021. Retrieved 15 November 2021.
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  15. "UEFA decisions for upcoming competitions relating to the ongoing suspension of Russian national teams and clubs". UEFA. 2 May 2022. Retrieved 2 May 2022.
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  17. "National A Team - Team Staff". Israel Football Association. 15 September 2022.
  18. "מיגל ויטור: "גאווה גדולה לייצג את ישראל" - ספורט 5". Sport 5. 26 May 2022.
  19. Win% is rounded to two decimal places
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  23. "בניון: "דיברתי עם בלבול שעות, אני חושב שהוא הלך רחוק מדי" - וואלה! ספורט". 17 March 2022.
  24. "בניון: צריך להיות טיפש כדי לא להתחשב בצעירה". 17 March 2022.
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  26. "הנבחרת ערכה את אימונה הראשון בגרמניה - ספורט 5".
  27. "ברומר וחרזי יאמנו את נבחרת ישראל - ספורט 5".
  28. "חזן המועמד של בניון, שחקני המגזר יגנו - ספורט 5".
  29. "רשמי: אלון חזן מונה למאמן נבחרת ישראל - ספורט 5".
  30. "חזן: "הצהרות על יורו לא מלחיצות". בניון: "טורניר גדול - בונוס" - ספורט 5".
  31. "National A Team - Team Squad". Israel Football Association. 15 September 2022.
  32. "אצילי, שבירו ואלטמן זומנו לסגל נבחרת ישראל, זהבי ופרץ בחוץ - וואלה! ספורט". Walla! Sport. 15 September 2022.
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  34. "שחקן שרשם מעל 60 הופעות יקבל חדר בנבחרת - ספורט 5". Sport 5. 15 September 2022.
  35. "ההוראה לשחקני הנבחרת: שתיקה בעניין ערן זהבי - ספורט 5". Sport 5. 16 September 2022.
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