Israel Women’s Lacrosse Team Battles for Bronze at World Championship in Tokyo

The Israel women’s lacrosse team lost 19-7 to the United States, the world’s top-ranked and favored team, in the semifinals of the World Championship held in Tokyo on July 31, 2026. Despite the defeat, Israel delivered a strong performance, notably scoring in every quarter against the dominant American squad, a feat only Ireland matched in the tournament. Israel kept the first quarter close at 4-3 and achieved a rare 2-2 tie in the third quarter, marking the first time since 2009 that the U.S. did not win a quarter in the World Championship. A late American goal eight seconds before the third quarter ended prevented Israel from winning that quarter.

Jordan Lipkin led the Israeli scorers with three goals, while Zoe Martin, Shira Farwer, Sam Fisher, and Shelby Sullivan each added one. Israel’s advancement to the semifinals was historic, following a perfect group stage and a dramatic 12-11 quarterfinal victory over strong Australia. This success builds on their recent European box lacrosse championship win.

On Sunday, Israel will face the Haudenosaunee Nationals in the bronze medal match. Ian Kadish, CEO of the Israeli Lacrosse Association, praised the team’s effort and historic achievement in reaching the medal game. Eric Kaplan, president and CEO of "Eilat," the umbrella organization for non-Olympic sports, commended Israel’s respectable performance against the world’s best and expressed confidence ahead of the bronze medal contest.