Israel's Under-21 Handball Team Falls to Romania, Misses Top Group Advancement

Israel's under-21 handball team lost 39-31 to Romania on July 11, 2026, resulting in a third-place finish in their preliminary group and failure to advance to the top-tier group stage. The team will now compete in the intermediate group alongside Poland, the Czech Republic, and Bosnia, with only the top two teams from this group advancing to the 9-16 placement matches that offer a path to the World Championship.

The match started promisingly for Israel, with Tal Ekstein scoring two early goals, but he was soon given a two-minute suspension, allowing Romania to take a 9-6 lead. Despite efforts by goalkeeper Yonatan Benshtrit, who replaced Alon Retzbi and made key saves, Romania maintained their advantage. At halftime, Israel trailed narrowly at 17-16.

The second half saw Israel struggle offensively, failing to score for over five minutes and falling behind 22-16. Although Ariel Shaharbani and Ekstein scored to keep hopes alive, Israel's defense and goalkeeping could not contain the Romanian attack. Romanian goalkeeper Denis Stefan made 16 saves, contributing to Romania's decisive victory.

Top scorers for Israel included Tal Ekstein with 8 goals, Loik Bexu with 6, and Yonatan Pelech and Asaf Sharon with 5 each. Goalkeepers Alon Retzbi and Yonatan Benshtrit recorded 4 and 3 saves respectively from 27 and 19 shots faced. Romania's win secures their advancement to the upper group stage, while Israel must now fight through the intermediate round for a chance to reach the World Championship placement matches.