Hapoel Be'er Sheva and Maccabi Tel Aviv Face Off in Israeli Super Cup Opener

Hapoel Be'er Sheva and Maccabi Tel Aviv meet on Thursday evening at Turner Stadium for the Israeli Super Cup, kicking off the 2026/27 football season. The match pits the league champion, Hapoel Be'er Sheva, against the State Cup holder, Maccabi Tel Aviv, following both teams' successful 2025/26 campaigns.

Hapoel Be'er Sheva coach Ran Kozuch named Miguel Vitor, who recently signed a new contract and is entering his 11th season with the club, as a central defender due to the suspension of Jibril Diop. Several other Be'er Sheva players, including Javan East, Mohammed Abu Romi, Hamudi Kana'an, and Zahi Ahmed, are also sidelined due to suspensions from incidents in the cup final against Maccabi Tel Aviv. Four new signings, including Brazilian Joao Victor, are on the bench.

Maccabi Tel Aviv, still finalizing their squad for the new season, started Itay Ben Hamo as part of a three-man defense, with returning player Dan Glazer on the bench. Christian Blitz, Tyrese Asante, Elad Madmon, and Kerwin Andrade are suspended following disturbances at the cup final. The match is officiated by Aviv Klein.

Additionally, on Saturday evening, Beitar Jerusalem will host Hapoel Tel Aviv at the Miriam Stadium in Netanya for a Toto Cup quarterfinal match, which also serves as a qualifier for the semifinals.

No official reactions have been released yet regarding the lineups or suspensions.