Top CEOs and executives place their World Cup bets
Ilan Sigal, yes אילן סיגל / Photo: Rami Zranger
“I’m going with the team that nobody is even considering a favorite, Norway. It had the best qualifying tournament in Europe relative to all the national teams. This is a strong, assertive team, with excellent players, a leader-coach, innovation, passion and cruelty when needed. And it is also coming from behind, so I’ll go with the tournament’s dark horse.”
● Sharp rise in ticket prices: Welcome to the most profitable World Cup in history
Eitan Singer, Cibus Eitan Singer / Photo: Rami Zranger
“France, which was one penalty away from lifting the trophy at the Qatar World Cup, will win it this time in the final in New York. A team whose 18th player could start for any other national team, with a perfect blend of talent and character, with a winning coach who knows how to put all the pieces together, and with star Kylian Mbappe, who may also finish as the tournament’s top scorer. This time, the Tricolore is going to be above everyone.”
Shlomi Bechor, SodaStream Israel Shlomi Bechor / Photo: Xlips Media
“My favorite to win is Spain. It currently presents a balanced combination of young talent, along with the experience of Rodri and Fabian Ruiz, depth on the bench and talent in every position. On the other hand, my heart is with Germany. I fell in love with them in the 1990 World Cup final in Italy. German football is rigid, practical and strong, and it has produced players who became football legends, including unbeatable goalkeepers.”
Yaron Tzafadia, Newpan Yaron Tzafadia / Photo: Yuli Cohen
“Argentina is always one of the leading candidates to win any World Cup, but this time it seems to be arriving stronger and more impressive than ever. I’m rooting for them, among other things because of the support and sympathy shown by Argentina’s president toward Israel. Beyond that, it seems this will be Lionel Messi’s last World Cup, one of the greatest footballers of all time. It is a privilege and a rare experience to still see him on the pitch, leading his team and continuing to move millions of fans around the world.”
Keren Shetui, Holmes Place Keren Shetui, CEO of the Holmes Place Group / Photo: Yoni Reif
“I would like Brazil to win, because my husband was born in Brazil and is a huge fan. At the same time, I’m betting on Portugal after consulting with the Holmes Place management team, because this is Ronaldo’s last chance to take a World Cup.”
Yossi Irani, Irani Group Yossi Irani / Photo: Trend54
“I believe Portugal will win the World Cup this year, because this is Cristiano Ronaldo’s last chance to win the most important title in world football, which is still missing from his resume.”
Harel Gilon, Oppenheimer Harel Gilon / Photo: Amanda Sorodoy
“My candidates are France and Spain, despite both having a problem with their biggest stars not having finished the season, Lamine Yamal, Barcelona and Spain star, and Kylian Mbappe, Real Madrid and France star. After much thought, I lean toward France, because its leading players are all in great form, including Dembele and Michael Olise.”
Maor Friedman, F2 Fund Maor Friedman / Photo: Il Regev
“I believe Argentina will win the upcoming World Cup, thanks to a combination of its young, hungry stars who want to prove themselves, the passion that characterizes the team, and the leadership and quality play of Lionel Messi, for whom this is expected to be the last World Cup, and Julian Alvarez, the team’s rising star.”
Prof. Osnat Levzion-Korach, Shamir Medical Center (Assaf Harofeh) Dr. Osnat Levzion-Korach. Photo: Il Itzhar
“This time I’m going with my husband and choosing France. It always comes to major tournaments as a strong contender.”
Meir Bardugo, Toto Meir Bardugo, CEO of Toto / Photo: Tomer Lasher
“As a lover of romantic stories and films, I choose to go with my heart, not statistics. My guess is Argentina, with a perfect final chapter to Lionel Messi’s story. Just before the curtain falls on the career of the greatest of our generation, I imagine him leading Argentina to another World Cup win and closing the legend with one last tour de force. Sometimes, even in sports, what you want most is a Hollywood happy ending.”
Tomer Peffer, Ten Bis Tomer Peffer, CEO of Ten Bis / Photo: Gani Rohlino
“Common sense says France or Spain, but Argentina can also surprise again. Brazil is less of a favorite this time, but there can always be magic there, especially if Neymar is healthy throughout the tournament.”
Elad Komisar, Wissotzky Elad Komisar / Photo: Sivan Peretz
“The big story in Portugal is, of course, Cristiano Ronaldo. In his ‘last dance,’ the phenomenon will have to rise to the role of leader, not just star. With him up front, with some of the world’s best midfielders such as Bruno Fernandes and Vitinha, and with a very attacking and entertaining team to watch, I’m betting things will click, and Portugal will surprise the whole world and win the tournament.”
Amir Gal-Or, Infinity Amir Gal-Or / Photo: Il Itzhar
“Brazil comes to the World Cup with a rare combination of depth, talent and experience, but above all stands the influence of the legendary coach Carlo Ancelotti, who brings a winning mentality and game management and harmony at the highest levels. Under him, the team is not only dazzling offensively as always, with talents like Vinicius, Rodrygo and others, but also organized tactically in a way that makes it very difficult for opponents.
“Ancelotti’s experience under knockout-game pressure, together with the depth of the squad and the balance between creativity and defense, create a more complete team than Brazil’s previous versions, one that also knows how to win ‘dirty’ games, not just entertain. If you add tradition, confidence and the hunger to bring back the title, you get a team that has all the ingredients to go all the way.”
Lior Poni, Dell Israel Lior Poni / Photo: Ohad Romano
“My initial instinct was to bet on the talent-rich Spain, but the team is still less experienced, while France comes with talented players, some of whom have already taken part in some of the biggest stages in the world, and also after Paris Saint-Germain’s Champions League win. Add to that the element of losing the previous World Cup in Qatar on penalties and the desire to restore honor, and France is my bet.”
Oren Levi, Danal Oren Levi, CEO of Danal / Photo: Sharon Levine
“The head says France, but the heart is pointing to Brazil. Something about this team reminds me of how I believe leadership should be, with soul, joy of life, faith in people, resilience, and the ability to keep dreaming even after challenges. In the end, both in football and in an organization, the heart is no substitute for strategy, but it is often what makes the difference.”
Kevin Chu, LG Israel
“Son Heung-min, the Korean who played for many years at Tottenham, connected South Korea to English football, but I’m going with Spain. They are talented footballers one by one, and their teamwork is very well synchronized. And of course, Lamine Yamal is currently the best player in the world.”
Yoram Avigdor, Golan Heights Winery Yoram Avigdor / Photo: PR
“Spain will be the World Cup winner. The young squad, especially the dynamic and talented midfield led by Pedri and Gavi, gives it a significant advantage. I believe they will lead it to victory.”
Matti Gil, AION Labs Matti Gil / Photo: Elad Malka
“I was born in the U.S., so my affinity is clear, but they probably won’t take it, so we’re hoping for England this time. Last time the whole family was happy about Messi and Argentina’s win, except for our young nephew who cried over Mbappe and France’s loss.”
Reutal Ben Natan, Ophakim travel company Reutal Ben Natan / Photo: Tali Ben Arieh
“I choose Argentina. Winning a second consecutive World Cup is a rare and challenging task, but after experiencing football in South America, you understand that tradition and national identity are an inseparable part of the game. The combination of deep football culture with talent and a strong desire to win can take it all the way again. And of course, there’s also Messi.”
Uri Bilt, Lilith Cosmetics Uri Bilt / Photo: Sivan Peretz
“Spain has a rare combination of young talent and depth in the squad. It comes after a very strong period on the European stage. Its key players, such as Lamine Yamal, Pedri and Rodri, are at an ideal age and in ideal form for a major tournament.”
Tali Yativ, Spirit World Productions Tali Yativ / Photo: Sam Itzhakov
“I’m rooting for the Netherlands. It is a team that always manages to combine quality football with a strong character, and even when the road is not easy, it keeps believing and fighting. The team always manages to move football fans around the world, and in my eyes it has all the ingredients that could make it the big winner. I’d be happy to see it lift the trophy.”
Gilad Arditi, SkyGini Gilad Arditi, co-CEO, SkyGini / Photo: PR
“I’m going with England, a strong and balanced squad, an excellent coach and Harry Kane who plays without fear. After all the years of ‘almost,’ this time it’s coming home.”
Eli Marzel, The Academic College of Tel Aviv-Yaffo Eli Marzel, CEO of The Academic College of Tel Aviv-Yaffo / Photo: Eyal Weiss
“My bet is on Argentina, mainly because I’m afraid of my wife’s reactions, since she is originally Argentinean.”
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