Soccer

Iran moves World Cup training base from US to Mexico amid security concerns

FIFA published the final list of team base camp locations Monday, with Iran now setting up shop at Centro Xoloitzcuintle in Tijuana.

|ByREUTERS
Soccer Football - World Cup - AFC Qualifiers - Third Round - Group A - Iran v United Arab Emirates - Azadi Sports Complex, Tehran, Iran - March 20, 2025.
HAPOEL BEERSHEBA celebrates securing the Israel Premier League title after edging Beitar Jerusalem in a season-long championship battle that came down to the final week.

Beersheba revels in edging Beitar for league title; mission not done

The reality was simple: if you want to be champions, you have to beat the champions, and Beitar managed only two points against Beersheba all year.

|ByJOSHUA HALICKMAN
A member of Iran's coaching staff instructs players during a training session at their base camp in Antalya on May 19, 2026. Iran's national football team arrived in Turkey on May 19, 2026 for a training camp and to complete visa applications ahead of the 2026 World Cup, AFP correspondents said.

Iran moves World Cup training camp from Arizona to Mexico amid visa, security concerns

Iran has faced uncertainty for months over travel and security arrangements for the World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

|ByREUTERS
A wonderful career. Bibars photographed wearing the Israeli national team uniform

Former Israeli national soccer captain Bibars Natcho retires from the sport

Israeli soccer legend and former national team captain Bibars Natcho announces retirement, saying "My journey has come to an end."

|ByWALLA! SPORTS, SPORTS SYSTEM 1

Stav Turiel’s brace leads Hapoel Tel Aviv to win over Hapoel Jerusalem in Premier League clash

In addition, Maccabi Haifa and Beersheba secure wins while Beitar honors former hostage Elkana Bohbot before a goalless draw with Maccabi Tel Aviv.

FEBRUARY 18, 2026ByJOSHUA HALICKMAN
HAPOEL TEL AVIV players are all smiles during their 3-1 victory over Hapoel Jerusalem at Teddy Stadium.

Noam Shilian’s inspiring journey back to sport

Hapoel Tel Aviv hosted 11-year-old supporter Noam Shilian at training, offering a special moment of connection as he continues rehabilitation from a rare pain condition.

FEBRUARY 15, 2026ByJERUSALEM POST SPORTS STAFF
Noam Shilian enjoys a private visit with Hapoel Tel Aviv players

Ireland commits to Israel fixtures despite calling for their expulsion

Ireland and Israel will face each other in September and November 2026, home and away. The FAI had requested in November 2025 that Israel be expelled from UEFA competitions.

FEBRUARY 13, 2026ByREUTERS
Barnot Toth of Hungary is challenged by Jack Taylor of Republic of Ireland during the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier match between Republic of Ireland and Hungary at on September 06, 2025 in Dublin, Ireland.

Bethlehem soccer pitch becomes unlikely flashpoint in global soccer politics

The pitch, the IDF Central Command claimed, sat too close to the seam zone, alleging that the structure and its occupants provided an observation point too sensitive for its volatile location.

FEBRUARY 11, 2026ByITAY GODER
PALESTINIAN YOUTH soccer players play in a field next to the barrier separating Aida refugee camp from Jerusalem near Bethlehem in the West Bank.

Beersheba widens gap on Beitar Jerusalem, Maccabi Tel Aviv blanks Maccabi Bnei Reineh for third

Late headers, big saves, and packed stadiums highlight a dramatic week in the Israeli Premier League.

FEBRUARY 10, 2026ByJOSHUA HALICKMAN
HAPOEL BEERSHEBA’S Igor Zlatanovic (front) celebrates after scoring the Reds’ first goal in their 2-1 victory over Beitar Jerusalem this week at Turner Stadium.

Beyond soccer: Morocco’s quest for regional stability in Africa - opinion

Soccer serves as a tool of soft power, and through partnerships with African soccer federations, Rabat has deepened its influence.

FEBRUARY 4, 2026ByEINAT LEVI
King Mohammed VI of Morocco attends the signing of bilateral agreements at the Agdal Royal Palace on February 13, 2019 in Rabat, Morocco.

‘48 points to fight for’: Ronny Deila takes over at Maccabi Tel Aviv

Ronny Deila has been named Maccabi Tel Aviv’s new head coach, bringing championship experience from Europe and the US for the run in.

FEBRUARY 2, 2026ByJOSHUA HALICKMAN
Maccabi Tel Aviv's new head coach Ronny Deila.

Down the yellow-and-black road: Beitar Jerusalem’s title dream takes shape

Beitar, for the first time in what seemed to be eons, was atop the table with the season having just completed Matchday 19, as it took over sole possession of first place.

JANUARY 23, 2026ByJOSHUA HALICKMAN
BEITAR JERUSALEM coach Barak Itzhaki has quietly guided the yellow-and-black from early-season promise to an unlikely place atop the Israel Premier League table at midseason.

Beitar Jerusalem moves into top spot

Hapoel Beersheba falls late to Hapoel Tel Aviv • Maccabi Haifa dominates Maccabi Tel Aviv

JANUARY 20, 2026ByJOSHUA HALICKMAN
HAPOEL TEL AVIV’S Liran Rotman assisted on the winning goal and made up for his penalty miss in last week’s derby as the Reds beat Hapoel Beersheba 2-1 at Bloomfield.

Maccabiah award honors Werder Bremen fans' stand against antisemitism

The award was given to the Hersh Goldberg-Polin Circle of Friends, which was created to commemorate slain Gaza hostage Hersh Goldberg-Polin.

JANUARY 19, 2026ByJERUSALEM POST SPORTS STAFF
SV Werder Bremen President Dr. Hubertus Hess-Grunewald; Malte, Representative of the Hersh Friendship Circle; Alon Meyer, President of Makkabi Germany; Arnd Zeigler, SV Werder Stadium Speaker.