Israel Women's National Soccer Team Names Squad for World Cup Qualifiers

The Israel Women's National Soccer Team has announced its squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifying playoff matches against Switzerland. Despite being relegated to League C in the Nations League after finishing third in their League B group, the team secured a spot in the World Cup playoff for the 2027 tournament in Brazil.

Israel's opponent, Switzerland, is a strong contender, having qualified for two previous World Cups and finishing first in their group above Turkey, Northern Ireland, and Malta. The Israeli team, managed by Menahem Koretzky, will face this challenge with a roster that includes players based abroad.

The first leg of the playoff will be held in Hungary on Friday, October 19:30, with Israel hosting the match. The return leg will take place in Switzerland four days later, on Tuesday, October 13.

The winner of this playoff will advance to the final round, where they will face the winner of the match between Austria and Kosovo in late November or early December. Seven of the eight winners from this final round will automatically qualify for the 2027 World Cup, while the lowest-ranked winner will enter an international playoff.

The announced squad includes goalkeepers Fortun Rubin, Amit Beilin, and Agam Habib. The defense features Shani David, Asia Drksen, Itaf Alkisi, Hili Shalom, Tamar Lipsitz, Shahar Nekav, Tal Feingzight, Or Divan, and Mia Shvil. The midfield and attack are comprised of Talia Zomer, Rachel Steinshneider, Eliana Bird, Marian Awad, Michaela Worko, Smadar Cohen, Zohar Cohen, Noa Slimohagić, Vital Katz, Maria Almatsri, Tamala Tal, and Maya Sirota.