Maccabi Haifa Eliminated as Hapoel Haifa Nears Toto Cup Semifinals

After securing their third win in three rounds, Hapoel Haifa is on the verge of qualifying for the Toto Cup semifinals, while their city rivals Maccabi Haifa have been definitively eliminated from the competition. The Toto Cup features 10 teams not participating in European tournaments, divided into two groups, with only the top two teams from each group advancing to the semifinals. There, they will face Maccabi Tel Aviv and Hapoel Tel Aviv, who are already qualified as winners of the Champions and European matches respectively.

In Group A, after two rounds, Hapoel Haifa leads with 9 points from three games, followed by Kiryat Shmona with 6 points from two games. Maccabi Haifa sits last with zero points from two games and a goal difference of minus four, confirming their exit. Hapoel Haifa's upcoming match against Kiryat Shmona could secure their top spot and semifinal berth.

Group B has only completed one round, with Maccabi Netanya and Hapoel Petah Tikva leading with three points each. Other teams include Hapoel Ramat Gan, Maccabi Petah Tikva, and Hapoel Jerusalem, who have yet to gain points. Additionally, Be'er Sheva and Beitar Jerusalem await the runners-up from these groups for placement matches, with Be'er Sheva competing for 5th-6th place and Beitar Jerusalem for 7th-8th place.

This structure clarifies the Toto Cup's format and current standings, highlighting Hapoel Haifa's strong position and Maccabi Haifa's elimination from Israel's third most prestigious football competition.