Israeli Football Clubs Face Crucial European Qualifiers Draw Ahead of 2026 Season

On Monday, Israeli football clubs will be drawn into the third qualifying round of European competitions, determining their path in the 2026 season. This draw comes immediately after the 2026 World Cup concludes on Sunday, before the teams play their second-round matches. Four Israeli teams are involved: Hapoel Be'er Sheva in the Champions League, Maccabi Tel Aviv in the Europa League, and Beitar Jerusalem and Hapoel Tel Aviv in the Conference League. Both Hapoel Be'er Sheva and Maccabi Tel Aviv will also be placed in a secondary competition draw in case of defeat.

Beitar Jerusalem will face Cypriot club AEK Larnaca in the second qualifying round on July 23 and 30. If they advance, they will enter the third qualifying round of the Conference League, where they are expected to be seeded. Possible opponents include losers from Anderlecht vs. Hammarby and Benfica vs. St. Gallen. If Beitar Jerusalem fails to advance, they will be eliminated from European competition. According to FMData predictions, they are expected to lose and exit. UEFA has already awarded them 350,000 euros, with an additional 200,000 euros guaranteed if they progress.

Hapoel Tel Aviv will face Bulgarian side Ludogorets on the same dates, with similar stakes and potential opponents in the third qualifying round. The financial incentives mirror those of Beitar Jerusalem, with 350,000 euros already secured and 200,000 more if they advance. FMData also forecasts their elimination.

The article provides a comprehensive guide to the upcoming European qualifiers for Israeli clubs, outlining the opponents, match dates, potential outcomes, and financial rewards. The draw on Monday will significantly impact the future of these clubs in European football for the upcoming season.