Israel Kicks Off UEFA Nations League Campaign Aiming for Euro 2028 Berth

The Israeli national football team begins its 2026-27 UEFA Nations League campaign on Thursday, September 24th, with an away match against Austria. This marks the start of four games in ten days for coach Ran Ben Shimon's squad. The Israeli Football Association has set qualification for Euro 2028 as a primary objective, and success in the Nations League is seen as a crucial stepping stone.

Having been relegated from the top tier after finishing last in their previous Nations League group, Israel now competes in the second division. They have been drawn into a group with Austria, Ireland, and Kosovo, opponents considered manageable for the Israeli team. Following the opener against Austria, Israel will "host" Ireland in Debrecen, Hungary, then play Kosovo, and conclude the current series with an away match against Ireland in Serbia, as the latter declined to host Israel.

Finishing first in their Nations League group would see Israel promoted back to the top division and secure a spot in the second-strongest pot for the Euro 2028 qualifiers. This would mean facing only one opponent from a higher-ranked pot during qualification, a significant advantage given that group winners and the eight best second-placed teams will qualify for the tournament. A second-place finish would still guarantee a place in the second-tier qualifying pot but would not result in promotion within the Nations League structure.

Regardless of their final group standing, finishing in the top two could potentially lead to a Nations League playoff spot for Euro 2028 qualification, provided they do not qualify directly and depending on other group winners' performances in the Euro qualifiers. However, finishing third or fourth would place Israel in the third-tier qualifying pot, facing two higher-ranked opponents and diminishing their chances of reaching the Euros. A last-place finish would result in relegation to the third division.

Euro 2028 is scheduled to be co-hosted by England, Ireland, Scotland, and Wales. Unlike previous tournaments, the host nations have not received automatic berths. This situation creates uncertainty regarding the number of playoff spots available through the Nations League, as hosts may receive preferential treatment in playoff seeding. Ultimately, securing a playoff position or qualifying directly through the main qualifiers remains the team's goal.