Israel kicked off its qualification campaign for the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Estonia on March 22, 2025, in the first round of matches for the European qualifiers.
Playing in a neutral venue—an arrangement that added an unusual dynamic—Israel faced an Estonia squad that started the match strongly, taking an early lead. The Estonians shocked the Israeli fans when, just ten minutes into the game, defender Aleksandr Paskotsi found the back of the net with a well-placed shot after an error in the Israeli defense. However, Israel quickly regrouped and displayed resilience.
The equalizer came in the 23rd minute thanks to Dan Biton. His shot struck the back of Estonian goalkeeper Jakob Hein before curling into the net, providing the much-needed boost for the Israeli team. It was a bit of good fortune for Biton, but it revitalized a team determined to assert itself in the group.
As the match progressed and tensions mounted, captain Elazar Dasa proved invaluable. In the 75th minute, he seized the opportunity to score the decisive goal, firing a cross shot into the net that secured Israel’s three points. This victory places Israel in a promising position within its group, neck and neck with Norway, which also secured a victory on the day.
Head coach and players alike expressed their satisfaction following the match. Dasa emphasized the importance of starting strong in the qualification process, stating, "We showed character and determination today. Starting the qualifiers with a win is crucial for our morale."
The significance of this win extends beyond just the scoreboard. Israel has historically performed well against Estonia, having won all three previous encounters leading up to this match. The result serves as a confidence booster for Israel as they prepare for the tougher games to come against Norway and Italy.
In another match during the same qualifier day, Wales scored a solid 3-1 victory over Kazakhstan, with goals from Daniel James, Joe Davies, and Rabbi Matondo. This puts Wales in a strong position too, particularly as they compete in Group J, alongside Belgium. Meanwhile, the Czech Republic managed to defeat the Faroe Islands 2-1, with Patrik Schick netting both goals for the Czechs.
As they vie for a spot in the global tournament, both Israel and Wales will need to maintain their focus. Analysts had predicted Israel to be the favorite against Estonia, given their higher world ranking—78th versus Estonia's 123rd. Betting odds illustrated this confidence with Israel favored to win, fueled by their recent noteworthy performances.
Moreover, their victories in recent League of Nations matches—a 0-0 draw against France and a 1-0 win against Belgium—have set a strong precedent for this qualifying series. Israel's resilience and strategic execution on the field have garnered attention, with many anticipating their potential throughout the qualification process.
Fans and analysts have taken note of Israel's robust performance over the last few months. Reports have surfaced discussing Israel's tactical discipline and team cohesion, essential elements that could determine their success in securing a place at the World Cup. With their next match against a considerably stronger Norway team looming on the horizon, the pressure will be on. But if Saturday's performance is anything to go by, Israel is poised to face any challengers that stand in their way.
Looking ahead, the coach expressed mixed feelings about the upcoming challenges, particularly focusing on the match against Norway, stating, "This victory is good, but we need to keep our feet on the ground. Norway is a different level, but with determination, anything is possible."
The atmosphere among Israeli fans suggests a mix of optimism and cautious enthusiasm as they look at the road ahead. After all, the qualification journey for such a prestigious tournament is fraught with challenges, but with the team's caliber and the right strategies, they just might turn heads this year.
