Israel Football Team Faces Relegation Threat After Kosovo Draw
Translated & summarized from Ynet by baba
The Israeli national football team drew 0-0 with Kosovo, leaving them in last place in their UEFA Nations League group with a chance of relegation. They must now defeat Austria in their final game and hope for other results to avoid a playoff for League B. The draw also negatively impacts their seeding for the Euro 2028 qualifiers, making their path to the tournament more difficult.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Israel drew 0-0 with Kosovo, remaining winless and last in their Nations League group.
- A loss to Austria in the final match will relegate Israel to a playoff for League B.
- Finishing third would secure Israel's spot in League B and avoid relegation playoffs.
- The draw places Israel in a lower pot for Euro 2028 qualifiers, increasing difficulty.
- Israel must beat Austria and hope for other results to avoid last place.
- The team faces a potential playoff in March 2027 if they finish fourth.
The Israeli national football team drew 0-0 with Kosovo on Saturday in the UEFA Nations League, leaving them winless and in last place in Group B3 with only three points. With one game remaining against Austria on Tuesday, coach Ran Ben Shimon's squad has lost its chance to finish in the top two positions. Israel is now fighting to secure third place, which would guarantee their survival in League B.
Following the draw, Israel trails Kosovo by three points, with Kosovo in second place with six points. Ireland has five points, and Austria leads the group with eight. Israel must defeat Austria in the final match to avoid last place, but even a win might not be enough. To finish third, Israel needs favorable results from other matches, such as two losses for Ireland against Austria and Kosovo, or a win for Ireland against Kosovo combined with an Israeli victory over Austria and a superior goal difference.
A draw or loss against Austria will guarantee Israel finishes in fourth place, forcing them into a playoff against a group winner from League C in March 2027 for a spot in League B. A third-place finish would allow them to avoid these relegation playoffs.
The implications of the draw extend beyond the Nations League. Because Israel cannot finish in the top two, they will be placed in Pot 3 for the Euro 2028 qualifiers draw in December, likely facing tougher opponents. The team also lost a potential advantage in qualifying for the Euros through winning their Nations League group, making their path to the tournament more complicated. Direct qualification for the Euros goes to group winners and the top eight runners-up, with four additional playoff spots available.
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