Israel National Football Team Prepares for Crucial World Cup Qualifiers with Friendly Against Georgia

The Israel national football team is set to face Georgia in a friendly match on Sunday at 18:30, broadcast live on Sport 5, as part of their preparations for the upcoming August World Cup qualifying matches. The team arrived late at night in Tbilisi, delayed by the strike at Ben Gurion Airport and flight schedule disruptions. They held their first training session in Georgia on Saturday evening and will train again before the match.

Coach Natanel Artzi emphasized the significance of the current international window, calling it an opportunity the team must seize. Although the friendly is unofficial, Artzi said it will provide a good indication of the team's readiness. He praised Georgia as a strong opponent that will offer a preview of the challenges Israel will face in the qualifiers. Artzi also invited Israelis living in Georgia to attend and support the team.

Israel’s squad for this window includes 13 players, with Idan Zalmanson and Ilai Dolinsky absent. All squad members are expected to participate in the friendly. Georgia’s broader squad features 16 players, including notable names such as Toko Shengelia, Sandro Mamukelashvili (Los Angeles Lakers), Goga Bitadze (Orlando Magic), Duda Sanadze, and naturalized player Marquis Reed.

This friendly serves as Israel’s final preparation before their critical World Cup qualifier against Poland on Thursday at 21:00, a match that could significantly impact their qualification campaign.