|
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
Israel will bring its 2026 World Cup Qualifying campaign to a close on Sunday night when it faces Moldova in Chisinau. With elimination already confirmed, the match may lack stakes on paper, but for head coach Ran Ben Shimon, it carries significant meaning for the team’s long-term development.
After also playing Lithuania in a friendly on Thursday, the blue-and-white now enter their last competitive fixture for nearly a year, with their next official outing scheduled for September 2026 in the Nations League. Ben Shimon made it clear that despite the standings, the focus remains sharp.
“This is a decisive match,” he stressed. “We have three goals: to win, to continue developing our professional style, and to give minutes to players who didn’t get enough in this campaign. Every match of the Israel national team is important.”
Key Absences but Clear Justifications
Israel will be without several notable players, including Villarreal winger Manor Solomon, who is dealing with back pain, and Hamburg goalkeeper Daniel Peretz, who is getting married.
Additionally, forward Tai Baribo remains in the United States as his wife prepares to give birth, while Ferencvaros midfielder Muhammed Abu Fani continues to recover from a knee injury.
“All the players who won’t be here have justified reasons,” Ben Shimon explained. “I spoke with Solomon and he really wanted to come.” The coach now turns to those available, determined to field strong lineups in both the friendly and qualifier.
Learning From Painful Mistakes
Israel enters the Moldova match following a turbulent period, marked by a collapse against Norway and a well-played effort against Italy that still failed to produce results.
Ben Shimon acknowledged that crucial individual errors cost the team dearly.
“From the day we returned, we analyzed and questioned everything,” he said. “Against Norway we collapsed. No team can succeed if it concedes easy goals.”
The coaching staff is placing special emphasis on improving decision-making under pressure, an area Ben Shimon believes will define the team’s future success.
Squad Adjustments and New Opportunities
Defender Raz Shlomo returns to the squad after missing the previous window, while Maccabi Tel Aviv’s Danny Grouper earns a recall after limited club minutes.
“Every time Grouper plays, he performs well,” said Ben Shimon. “As for Shlomo, he has been part of the team for a year and a half and now he is back.”
One of the more complex issues surrounds Maccabi Haifa defender Liav Eiassat, who recently made his senior debut for Romania but could still switch allegiance.
“I’ve done and continue to do a lot to have him available for the Israel national team,” Ben Shimon said. “It’s still reversible.”
Despite scoring a Champions League goal for Kairat Almaty against Inter Milan, Ofri Arad was not called up. Ben Shimon insisted that the door remains open.
“He’s in good form, but right now I’m choosing other players. When the time is right, he will return.”
Gloukh Expected to Lead in Solomon’s Absence
Ajax midfielder Oscar Gloukh, going through an inconsistent stretch at club level, is expected to play a key role with Solomon unavailable.
“My expectations of him are high,” Ben Shimon noted. “He’s an exceptional player with great maturity. He is an important asset for the national team.” Gloukh’s leadership will be needed, especially as Israel seeks to close the campaign with momentum.
Reflecting on a Challenging Campaign
Israel sits third in Group I with nine points from seven matches. Three wins and four losses paint the picture of a team capable of strong performances but unable to maintain stability.
“We didn’t achieve more than what we were capable of,” Ben Shimon admitted. “Against Italy, we had two good games but one bad result. Against Norway, the first match had good moments; the second was a catastrophe.”
He acknowledges the group was difficult but insists the team must improve to reach a major tournament for the first time since 1970.
Hope for Return of Home Matches
With the war now over and Euroleague basketball expected to return to Israel in December, Ben Shimon expressed cautious optimism that international football could soon follow.
“Our fans deserve to see the national team at home,” he said. “It’s extremely important for our goals and can help us qualify for a major tournament.”
A Match That Matters Despite Eliminated Status
While Sunday’s match will not influence the World Cup, it represents an important milestone for Israel’s future. Ben Shimon wants discipline, stability, and a fighting mentality to define the next chapter.
“There are no friendly matches,” he insisted. “Whoever plays well will play. We will field strong, quality lineups.” With a young core and a belief in structured development, Israel aims to end its qualifying journey with purpose—and begin laying the foundation for the challenges to come.