Hapoel Haifa Nears Toto Cup Semifinals as Maccabi Haifa Is Eliminated

Following their third win in three rounds, Hapoel Haifa is on the verge of securing a spot in 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 plus the champion of champions, divided into two groups. Only the top two teams from each group advance to the semifinals, where they will face Maccabi Tel Aviv and Hapoel Tel Aviv, who are already qualified.

The group winners face the two teams that won the European and champion of champions matches, with the better-performing group winner playing Hapoel Tel Aviv. The runners-up from each group will compete against Hapoel Be'er Sheva and Beitar Jerusalem, who await the second-place teams for placement matches.

After two rounds in Group A, Hapoel Haifa leads with 9 points from 3 games, followed by Kiryat Shmona with 6 points from 2 games. Maccabi Haifa sits last with zero points and a -4 goal difference after 2 games, confirming their elimination. Hapoel Haifa can secure first place and a semifinal berth with an upcoming match against Kiryat Shmona.

In Group B, only one round has been played so far, with Maccabi Netanya and Hapoel Petah Tikva leading with 3 points each. The competition continues as teams vie for the remaining semifinal spots.