Hapoel Be'er Sheva Set for 2026/27 Europa League with Potential Big Matches

Hapoel Be'er Sheva will not compete in the Champions League but will participate in the 2026/27 Europa League following their recent loss to Sabah. The club is expected to be seeded in the fourth pot based on their European ranking. Potential top-tier opponents include Bayer Leverkusen, Juventus, AC Milan, AZ Alkmaar, and Olympiacos, while other notable teams from various pots include Real Sociedad, Marseille, Sparta Prague, Crystal Palace, and Hoffenheim.

The Europa League format mirrors the Champions League, with Be'er Sheva drawn against eight teams, two from each pot, playing home and away matches. The top eight teams in the group stage advance directly to the round of 16, while teams ranked 9-24 enter a playoff round. Historically, around 10 points have been sufficient to advance, with 13 points securing home advantage in playoffs and 16 points typically guaranteeing a direct spot in the round of 16.

Financially, the club will earn 450,000 euros per win and 150,000 euros per draw in the group stage, having already secured 8.6 million euros. Advancing to the playoff round yields 300,000 euros, direct qualification to the round of 16 brings 1.75 million euros, with further increases for reaching quarterfinals (2.5 million), semifinals (4.2 million), and the final (7 million). The winner receives an additional 6 million euros plus 21.45 million euros for knockout stage achievements and a Champions League spot.

This upcoming European campaign offers Hapoel Be'er Sheva the chance to face major clubs and significantly boost their international profile and finances.