Football

Trump envoy seeks to replace Iran with Italy in upcoming World Cup - Financial Times

Iran had said earlier that it would decide on participation in the World Cup only after receiving a response from FIFA regarding the relocation of its matches from the US to Mexico.

|ByREUTERS
A picture shows flags of Italy and of the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) at the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) headquarters during a meeting of the Italian football authorities after the national team failed to qualify for a third consecutive World Cup, in Rome on April 2, 2026.
Pro-Palestinian activists protest with a football-shaped sign and a Palestinian flag outside Wembley Stadium on October 2nd, 2025 in London, United Kingdom.

Trump’s antisemitism envoy says US will bar World Cup attendees tied to antisemitism abroad

Rabbi Yehuda Kaploun was quoted as saying that the US was “holding countries accountable for ministers who are saying things, and they are not being allowed into the country.”

|ByGRACE GILSON/JTA
FIFA President Gianni Infantino (R) awards US President Donald Trump (L) with the FIFA Peace Prize, December 5, 2025; illustrative.

FIFA considers requesting Trump to issue ICE raid moratorium during World Cup - report

FIFA is exploring the possibility of requesting US President Donald Trump to pause ICE raids during the World Cup, hoping FIFA chief Gianni Infantino's relationship with him could leverage policy.

|ByJAMES GENN
TAI BARIBO finds the net for D.C. United, emblematic of a new wave of Israeli soccer stars thriving on American soil.

Star-Spangled exodus: How MLS became a Mecca for Israeli soccer stars

The era of the “Yored” is dead; the era of the “Ambassador” has arrived. And this season is the final proof that Israeli soccer has found itself a new home.

|ByITAY GODER

Manor of influence: Solomon’s stunning Leeds season sparks transfer tug-of-war

After a sensational season in which he became one of Leeds United’s most influential figures, Manor Solomon now finds himself at a crossroads as the summer transfer window looms.

MAY 14, 2025ByJERUSALEM POST SPORTS STAFF
LEEDS UNITED is interested in making Manor Solomon’s loan permanent this summer, but appears to face plenty of competition for the Israeli’s services.

Training the Brain, Winning the Game with Mind-Controlled Video Games

How Israeli Startup i-BrainTech is Revolutionizing Athlete Recovery and Performance

MAY 14, 2025ByJERUSALEM POST STAFF
A footballer at a top club trains with i-BrainTech

Ironi Tiberias and Ashdod secure premier league survival, Maccabi Petah Tikva relegated

Maccabi Petah Tikva’s drop and Ironi Tiberias’ survival highlight the latest Israeli soccer relegation playoffs.

MAY 12, 2025ByJOSHUA HALICKMAN
IRONI TIBERIAS fans celebrate during the 0-0 draw against Maccabi Petah Tikva over the weekend, a result that ensured their club’s top-tier survival.

‘Excitement in the air!’ Team sports live draw held for Maccabiah

The draw included football, basketball, 3x3 basketball, and futsal, in addition to other group ball sports such as ice hockey, rugby, and baseball.

MAY 7, 2025ByJERUSALEM POST SPORTS STAFF
In preparation for the Maccabiah, which will open on July 8, a live draw for team sports was held for ball sports with more than one group. Maccabiah CEO Roy Hessing stated: ‘We are working around the clock to ensure a top-notch sports experience.’

Maccabi Tel Aviv, Beersheba still neck-and-neck

Bloomfield draw keeps title race tight • Netanya blanks Beitar • Mac Haifa still reeling from Bachar’s firing

MAY 6, 2025ByJOSHUA HALICKMAN
Maccabi Tel Aviv's Weslley Patati (left) and Hapoel Beersheba’s Eliel Peretz vie for the ball during their teams’ 1-1 draw at Bloomfield Stadium.

End of an era: Maccabi Haifa parts ways with Barak Bachar and Gal Alberman

The dual resignation comes after Maccabi Haifa suffered a humiliating 5-1 derby defeat to Hapoel Haifa.

MAY 5, 2025ByJERUSALEM POST SPORTS STAFF
Barak Bachar led Maccabi Haifa through triumphs and setbacks over two stints at the club before being abruptly let go late Sunday after the Greens’ dramatic downturn in form late in the season.

Manor Solomon’s moment of magic lifts Leeds United to Championship glory

Reports suggest Tottenham are open to selling Solomon for £15–20 million – a fee that now seems like a bargain for a player who has become a fan favorite.

MAY 4, 2025ByJERUSALEM POST SPORTS STAFF
Leeds United's Israeli forward Manor Solomon celebrates after scoring the Championship title-clinching goal against Plymouth Argyle in a 2-1 win on Saturday.

Beitar Jerusalem to battle Bnei Reineh in State Cup semifinals

Beitar Jerusalem beat Bnei Sakhnin 3-0 after a goalless first half.

APRIL 8, 2025ByJOSHUA HALICKMAN
YARDEN SHUA scored and set up another goal in Beitar Jerusalem's 3-0 State Cup quarterfinal victory over Bnei Sakhnin.

More than fans: How Hapoel Jerusalem supporters shape the soccer club’s future

This structure, inspired by leading European clubs like Barcelona and Real Madrid, ensures that the team’s fate is not dictated by a single owner but collectively determined by its fan base.

MARCH 27, 2025ByJERUSALEM POST SPORTS STAFF
A PACKED stands at Teddy Stadium in the norm for Hapoel Jerusalem matches, with the fan-owned club holding its membership elections this week.

Emotional tribute to former hostages at Maccabi Tel Aviv-Hapoel Haifa clash

Former hostages Emily Damari and Romi Gonen took center stage in an emotional pregame ceremony.

MARCH 16, 2025ByJOSHUA HALICKMAN
FORMER HOSTAGE and Maccabi Tel Aviv fan Emily Damari takes part in a tribute on the pitch at Bloomfield Stadium before the team’s 3-0 win over Hapoel Haifa.