Maccabi Haifa Faces Slim Chance to Advance in Toto Cup Group Stage

Maccabi Haifa's start to the 2026/27 season has been disappointing, especially after their recent loss to Ironi Kiryat Shmona, which has severely diminished their chances of winning the Toto Cup, the first title of the season. The competition format divides ten teams, excluding those in European matches and the Champion of Champions, into two groups. Only the top two teams from each group advance to the semifinals, where Maccabi Tel Aviv and Hapoel Tel Aviv await. The group winners face either Hapoel Tel Aviv or Maccabi Tel Aviv, depending on their records, while the runners-up play against Be'er Sheva and Beitar Jerusalem for placement matches.

In Group A, after two rounds, Hapoel Haifa leads with six points, followed by Kiryat Shmona and Ironi Tiberias with three points each. Maccabi Haifa is at the bottom with zero points and a -4 goal difference. For Maccabi Haifa to qualify, they must win their remaining two matches against Bnei Sakhnin and Ironi Tiberias, hope Hapoel Haifa loses both remaining games, and that Kiryat Shmona beats Hapoel Haifa but loses their other two matches. Only under these conditions could Maccabi Haifa finish first on goal difference in a multi-team tie.

Meanwhile, Group B has only completed one round, with Maccabi Netanya and Hapoel Petah Tikva leading with three points each. The competition remains open there, with teams like Hapoel Jerusalem yet to play. The Toto Cup's structure and current standings highlight the uphill battle Maccabi Haifa faces to keep their hopes alive in this early-season tournament.