Israeli Football Clubs Face Crucial European Playoff Draws With Big Stakes

Four Israeli football clubs, Hapoel Be'er Sheva, Maccabi Tel Aviv, Beitar Jerusalem, and Hapoel Tel Aviv, are set to be drawn in the European competition playoffs on Monday, August 1, 2026, starting at 13:00. These draws will determine their opponents and future in the UEFA Champions League, Europa League, or Conference League.

Hapoel Be'er Sheva faces Red Star Belgrade in the third qualifying round with matches on August 4 and 11, and potential playoff games between August 18-27. If Be'er Sheva advances, they will be seeded in the Champions League playoff and guaranteed at least a Europa League spot, with possible opponents including winners from ties involving clubs like Celtic, Ararat, and Viking. If they lose, they drop to the Europa League playoff unseeded, with a chance to qualify for the Europa League or, if they lose again, the Conference League. Be'er Sheva has already secured 3.17 million euros in prize money and can earn an additional 4.31 million euros by advancing.

Maccabi Tel Aviv will play CSKA Sofia in the third qualifying round on August 6 and 13, with playoffs on August 20 and 27. A win guarantees entry into the Europa League group stage and seeding in the playoff round. Potential opponents include Red Star Belgrade (if they lose to Be'er Sheva), St. Truiden, and others. A loss sends them to the Conference League playoff unseeded, facing a wide range of teams including Atalanta and Monaco. Maccabi Tel Aviv has secured 750,000 euros so far, with 3.17 million euros possible upon advancing.

Beitar Jerusalem and Hapoel Tel Aviv both face third qualifying round matches on August 6 and 13 and playoff matches on August 20 and 27. Beitar Jerusalem plays Austria Vienna, while Hapoel Tel Aviv faces Katowice. Both clubs, if they advance, will enter the Conference League playoff unseeded, with a broad pool of potential opponents including Ajax, Gent, and Salzburg. Failure to advance means elimination from European competition. Beitar Jerusalem has earned 550,000 euros, potentially rising to 750,000 euros, and Hapoel Tel Aviv has the same financial outlook.

Maccabi Tel Aviv and Hapoel Be'er Sheva will be drawn twice to cover scenarios of both winning and losing their third qualifying round matches, ensuring clarity on their next opponents. All four clubs are dreaming big as they prepare for these critical European fixtures that could define their continental campaigns and financial rewards for the upcoming season.