Israel Nearly Overcomes 22-Point Deficit but Falls to Germany 92-86 in World Cup Qualifier

Israel's national basketball team suffered a 92-86 defeat against Germany on July 3, 2026, in a FIBA World Cup 2026 qualifier. The game, held in Germany, saw Israel trailing by as many as 22 points entering the fourth quarter. Despite the large deficit, Israel mounted a strong comeback effort in the final period, narrowing the gap to just seven points.

The match began with a moment of silence honoring the late Raz Adam. Germany quickly took control, building a double-digit lead early on. Israeli players Yam Madar and Tomer Ginat showed resilience in the second quarter, helping to keep Israel competitive, but Germany maintained a halftime lead of 45-37. The third quarter was dominated by Germany, who capitalized on Israeli turnovers and fast breaks to extend their lead to 22 points.

In the final quarter, Israel tightened its defense and launched a spirited rally led by Yam Madar, who scored a career-high 31 points, and Kadin Carrington, who added 21 points. Guy Peltin also contributed defensive pressure. Despite their efforts, Israel's comeback fell short as Germany held on to secure the victory. The game ended with a respectable scoreline for Israel, reflecting their late surge but ultimate loss.