Experts Predict Be'er Sheva or Beitar Jerusalem to Win Israeli Premier League 2026/27
Translated & summarized from N12 by baba
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Hapoel Be'er Sheva and Beitar Jerusalem are the main title contenders for 2026/27.
- Ironi Tiberias is widely predicted to finish last and face relegation.
- Maccabi Netanya is seen as a surprise team, potentially finishing above Maccabi Haifa.
- Hapoel Jerusalem and Hapoel Ramat Gan are expected to struggle near the bottom.
- Coaching strategies and player fitness, especially Almog Cohen's role, are key factors.
- European competition qualification will financially impact Hapoel Be'er Sheva.
As the Israeli Premier League 2026/27 season kicks off on August 22, 2026, three football analysts, Assaf Abulafia, Itay Shechter, and Tal Ben Haim, shared their season predictions on Sport 5’s traditional "Olim LeRegel" opening episode.
Assaf Abulafia forecasts Beitar Jerusalem as the champion, with Hapoel Be'er Sheva qualifying for European competition but facing financial strain. He predicts Maccabi Netanya as the surprise team finishing fifth, above Maccabi Haifa, which he sees under pressure. Abulafia expects Hapoel Petah Tikva and Hapoel Jerusalem to struggle, with Jerusalem finishing last due to a weak squad and young foreign players. His full ranking places Beitar Jerusalem first and Hapoel Jerusalem last.
Itay Shechter, meanwhile, believes Hapoel Be'er Sheva will win the title, with coach Ran Kojuch finding a winning formula. He sees Beitar Jerusalem finishing third and Hapoel Tel Aviv fourth, noting the latter’s rising fan expectations. Shechter predicts Ironi Tiberias will finish last, with Bnei Sakhnin also facing relegation threats. His ranking puts Be'er Sheva first and Tiberias last.
Tal Ben Haim also picks Hapoel Be'er Sheva as champions, highlighting the similarity in coaching styles between Barak Itzhaki and Almog Cohen. He forecasts Maccabi Tel Aviv finishing fourth, warning of the impact if key player Roy Revivo leaves. Ben Haim expects Maccabi Netanya to finish eighth and Ironi Tiberias to be relegated, joined by Hapoel Ramat Gan. His ranking aligns closely with the others.
Additionally, analyst Yehonatan Cohen, who did not participate in the broadcast, supports Beitar Jerusalem as champions, emphasizing their strong squad and Almog Cohen’s role. All agree Ironi Tiberias is likely to be relegated. The season’s start tomorrow will test these forecasts as teams vie for the title and survival.
Summary: Ahead of the Israeli Premier League 2026/27 season starting August 22, football analysts predict a close title race mainly between Hapoel Be'er Sheva and Beitar Jerusalem, with Ironi Tiberias expected to be relegated. The experts also highlight key players, coaching challenges, and potential surprises in the league standings.
Mentioned
