Soccer

Beitar, Beersheba in fierce fight to the finish

Both top teams win, Jerusalem still trails by 2 points in the championship race with just 2 games left.

TIMOTI MUZIE (11) celebrates with his Beitar Jerusalem teammates after scoring the game-winning goal in the crucial 2-1 victory over Maccabi Tel Aviv.
FIFA World Cup - Inter-Confederation Playoffs - Semi Final - New Caledonia v Jamaica - Estadio Guadalajara, Guadalajara, Mexico, A fan holds up the flag of Iran in the stands before the match. - March 26, 2026.

FIFA to meet Iran officials in Istanbul over World Cup participation in the US

THE 1-1 draw this week between Beitar Jerusalem and Hapoel Beersheba at Teddy Stadium kept the Southern Reds in first place by two points with three matches left.

Despite draw with Hapoel Beersheba, Beitar Jerusalem still in title race

 FC Barcelona's Raphinha and FC Barcelona's Lamine Yamal during the bus parade as they celebrate winning LaLiga

FC Barcelona apologizes to Israeli fans after player goes viral waving Palestinian flag


Beitar runs riot over Netanya to remain in title race

Elsewhere, Hapoel Petah Tikva slipped by Maccabi Haifa 1-0 as Mamady Diarra scored the lone goal of the match in the 59th minute to take the points and stay in the Championship Playoff picture.

IT WAS a full team effort for Beitar Jerusalem at Maccabi Netanya, with the capital city side featuring seven different scorers in an 8-2 away rout in league play.

IOC says FIFA president's presence at Board of Peace inaugural meeting doesn't violate neutrality

The boss of global soccer's governing body, who is also an IOC member, took part in Thursday's meeting of the Board of Peace, which is focusing on reconstruction work in Gaza.

FIFA president Gianni Infantino speaks, as he and Argentina's President Javier Milei attend the inaugural Board of Peace meeting at the U.S. Institute of Peace in Washington, DC, US, February 19, 2026.

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.

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.

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.

 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.

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.

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.

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.

 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.

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.