Bnei Yehuda and Ashdod Lead Tight Race in Israeli National League Season Preview

The Israeli National League kicks off on August 18, 2026, with a highly competitive season expected. Bnei Yehuda, coached by Eli Levi and playing at the Shkhunat Hatikva stadium, is favored to finish in the top two after years of underperformance. Key players include Sagi Dror, Stav Nahmani, and emerging talent Uri Hassan, who is anticipated to break through this season.

M.S. Ashdod, recently relegated from the Premier League and coached by Guy Weizinger, also aims for immediate promotion. Despite a heavy 6-0 loss to Bnei Yehuda in the Toto Cup semifinal, Ashdod strengthened its squad with notable signings such as Dor Micha and Abanazar Mamata, backed by significant investment from owner Jacky Ben Zaken.

Bnei Reineh, relegated after four seasons in the top tier, retained key players like Antonio Spear and Lior Gliklich and aims for a top-five finish under coach Lior Reuven. Other contenders expected to compete for playoff spots include Hapoel Rishon LeZion, Hapoel Kfar Shalem, Maccabi Kiryat Gat, Maccabi Herzliya, Hapoel Kfar Saba, and Hapoel Afula.

Teams like M.S. Kiryat Yam, Hapoel Ra'anana, Maccabi Jaffa, Hapoel Akko, M.S. Kafr Qasim, Ahli Nazareth, and Ironi Modi'in are projected to battle for survival, with some facing relegation risks. Notable young players expected to make an impact include Liam Levi (Rishon LeZion), Yoav Hunyo (Kfar Shalem), and Daniel Atlan (Ra'anana).

The season promises intense competition with several clubs undergoing coaching changes and roster overhauls, setting the stage for an exciting campaign in Israel's second-tier football league.