Israeli Clubs Boost UEFA Ranking With Strong European Qualifiers Performance

Israeli football clubs had a successful week in European competition qualifiers, significantly improving Israel's UEFA coefficient ranking. Despite Beitar Jerusalem's elimination from the Conference League, the combined efforts of Israeli teams earned 0.750 points this week, raising the total to 23.375 points and placing Israel 24th in the rankings as of August 14, 2026. This season alone, Israeli clubs have accumulated 2.625 points, nearly matching last season's total of 2.875.

Each win in the qualifying rounds grants 0.250 points, while draws yield 0.125 points. The ultimate goal is to reach 15th place, which would allow Israel to enter two teams into the Champions League qualifiers. However, with Cyprus holding a lead of over 10 points, this remains a distant target. A more realistic aim is to break into 23rd place or higher, which would enable the Israeli Premier League champion to start in the second qualifying round of the Champions League instead of the first.

Currently, Israel has three teams remaining in European competitions, with a narrow gap of less than one point behind Ukraine, ranked 23rd, which has only one team left in the tournaments. Romania, ranked 22nd with 24.750 points, also has just one representative remaining, giving Israel a strong chance to climb to at least 22nd place.

Looking ahead, Hapoel Tel Aviv is expected to be eliminated by Atalanta, placing greater responsibility on Hapoel Be'er Sheva and Maccabi Tel Aviv to secure ranking points. Hapoel Be'er Sheva faces Sabah in the Champions League playoff, which could add points, though advancing to the group stage might reduce their chances of earning more due to tougher opponents. Maccabi Tel Aviv will play Lugano in the Conference League playoff, and a victory could lead to more points in the group stage against relatively easier competition.