Maccabi Tel Aviv Draws Sheriff Tiraspol in Second Qualifying Round of Europa League

Maccabi Tel Aviv is set to face Sheriff Tiraspol from Moldova in the second qualifying round of the UEFA Europa League. This matchup was confirmed on July 16, 2026, following Sheriff Tiraspol's 1-0 victory over Alumni in the first qualifying round, after a goalless draw in the first leg. Maccabi Tel Aviv earned their place in this round by winning the Israeli State Cup last season.

Maccabi Tel Aviv must advance through two qualifying rounds and a playoff round to reach the Europa League group stage. If eliminated, they will have a second chance to compete in the UEFA Conference League, entering at the playoff stage. The first leg against Sheriff Tiraspol will be played away on July 23, with the return leg scheduled for July 30 in Batumi. The qualifying rounds conclude on August 27 with the playoff second leg.

Sheriff Tiraspol, founded in 1997, finished second in the Moldovan league last season. The club has dominated Moldovan football with 21 league titles, including an eight-year streak ending in 2023, and has been a regular participant in European competitions. Notably, Sheriff reached the Europa League group stage four times and made history by advancing to the Conference League round of 16 in 2023. Their peak achievement came in the 2021/2022 season when they became the first Moldovan team to reach the Champions League group stage, famously defeating Real Madrid 2-1 at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Last season, two Israeli players were part of Sheriff Tiraspol: Liam Harush, who ended his contract, and Kayes Ghanem, who scored three goals and provided two assists in 18 appearances. Meanwhile, Hungarian club Ferencváros, featuring Israeli midfielder Gabi Kanikovski, also secured a spot in the second qualifying round by defeating Vojvodina 3-0 in the second leg, 5-1 on aggregate. Kanikovski started and played 61 minutes in the match.

Maccabi Tel Aviv's European campaign begins next week, marking a crucial phase as they aim to secure a place in the group stages of European competition.