Israel National Football Team Coach Addresses Nations League Opener

The Israeli national football team is set to begin its Nations League campaign in League B, Group 7, in one week. The team's first match is an away game against Austria on September 24. Following this, Israel will play Ireland and Kosovo, with these matches hosted in Hungary due to neutral venue requirements. The full schedule includes matches against Austria, Ireland, and Kosovo, with dates extending into November.

National team coach Ran Ben Shimon is holding a press conference to discuss the upcoming games, team goals, and player selections, including those who were not called up. The team's performance in the Nations League has a significant impact on its standing: finishing first earns promotion to League A, while last place results in relegation to League C. Second place leads to a playoff for promotion to League A, and third place secures a playoff against relegation to League C.

Israel has a history of fluctuating performance in the Nations League. In the 2018/19 season, they secured second place in their League C group and were promoted to League B. The 2020/21 campaign saw them finish third in their League B group, maintaining their position. The 2022/23 season was a success, with the team winning their League B group and earning promotion to League A. However, in the 2024/25 season, they finished fourth in their League A group and were relegated back to League B.