Israel National Football Team Names Starting Lineup for UEFA Nations League Opener

The Israeli national football team has finalized its starting lineup for their upcoming UEFA Nations League match against Austria, marking the beginning of a new campaign. Head coach Ran Ben Shimon announced the eleven players who will take the field in Linz, Austria, as Israel aims for success in the tournament ahead of Euro 2028.

Key changes in the lineup include the inclusion of Said Abu Farchi in the attack and Idan Nachmias in defense. The starting eleven is Daniel Peretz, Guy Mizrahi, Nikita Stoyanov, Idan Nachmias, Roy Revivo, Eliel Peretz, Dor Peretz, Oscar Gloukh, Manor Solomon, Anan Khalaili, and Said Abu Farchi. Two players, Moanes Dabbur and Omri Gandelman, were ruled out due to injury and have been released from the squad. Ben Shimon acknowledged the team's absences but emphasized focusing on the available players.

Security measures have been heightened around the team's hotel in Linz due to its proximity to religious sites, with local police reinforcing security. Despite potential protests planned elsewhere in the city, the atmosphere within the team is reported as positive. The match is a sell-out, with ticket prices ranging from 25 to 75 euros.

Separately, the Israeli Football Association chairman sent a strong letter to UEFA regarding harsh statements made by the Irish team. Tensions also arose over hotel room bookings in Hungary, which an Israeli official dismissed as the Irish seeking controversy. Coach Ben Shimon has urged his players to concentrate solely on the Austrian match, not the ongoing dispute with Ireland. Players from Israel's Arab community have opted for silence amid the controversy, fearing their comments could escalate the situation, a decision understood by the team management.