Noam Yaakov Commits Fully to Israeli National Team Ahead of World Cup Qualifiers

Noam Yaakov, who was not selected in the 2026 draft, has joined Ariel Beit Halachmi's roster for Israel's upcoming World Cup qualifying games against Germany and Croatia. In an interview with Channel Sport, Yaakov expressed optimism about the team's preparation, noting they had ample time to get ready. "Everyone is happy to be here and ready to give everything for the national team," he said.

Yaakov emphasized the team's focus on internal preparation and building cohesion despite the short timeframe. He acknowledged Germany's strength but expressed confidence in Israel's capabilities. A key challenge will be containing Germany's star player Dennis Schröder, which Yaakov described as difficult but manageable through team defense and a solid game plan.

Reflecting on his strong season, Yaakov said it boosted his status and leadership role at the club level, but stressed that the national team demands different contributions from each player. He also voiced support for teammate Yam Madar, trusting him to make the best decisions for his career. The Israeli national team is gearing up for these critical matches with a unified and determined squad.