Israeli Football Clubs Boost Their Chances in European Competitions After Strong Starts

Three Israeli football teams, Maccabi Tel Aviv, Beitar Jerusalem, and Hapoel Tel Aviv, began their European campaigns successfully on July 24, 2026, significantly improving their prospects according to Football Meets Data (FM Data) forecasts. Maccabi Tel Aviv dominated Sheriff Tiraspol 5-0 in the Europa League qualifiers and is expected to advance easily to the third qualifying round. FM Data gives Maccabi a 25% chance to reach the Europa League group stage and a 71% chance to enter any group stage, a substantial increase from previous estimates before their win. However, the forecast also predicts elimination in the playoff round due to the uncertainty of future opponents in the draw.

Beitar Jerusalem, after a 1-0 away victory against AEK Larnaca in the Conference League qualifiers, saw its chances to reach the third qualifying round rise from 39% to 73%. FM Data now expects Beitar to surpass Larnaca and the next round but predicts elimination in the playoff round. Their probability to reach the Conference League group stage increased from 8% to 13%, a notable improvement from the 2.6% chance given by FootballRankings before the qualifiers. If they advance, Beitar will face the winner between Liepāja and Austria Vienna, with Austria Vienna leading 2-0 from the first leg.

Hapoel Tel Aviv returned to European competition after 12 years with a 2-0 home win over Ludogorets Razgrad. FM Data raised their chances to advance past Ludogorets from 36% to 76% following the victory. The forecast predicts Hapoel will reach the third qualifying round but be eliminated there. Their chance to reach the Conference League group stage increased from 4% to 8%, compared to 2.6% from FootballRankings before the qualifiers. If they progress, Hapoel will face the winner between Žilina and Katowice, with Žilina leading 2-1 from the first leg.

The improved forecasts reflect the teams' strong performances and the unpredictable nature of upcoming draws, which will determine their future opponents and chances. The Israeli clubs now have significantly better odds to continue their European journeys, marking a promising start to the 2026-27 season.