Two crucial World Cup qualifying fixtures lie ahead for the Israel national team: an away game at Norway next Saturday, followed by another overseas challenge against Italy. National team head coach Ron Ben-Shimon announced the extended squad today, and, according to the initial briefing, there were no major surprises in the selections.
The upcoming tests and the bigger picture
Israel currently sits in third place in its World Cup qualifying group with 9 points, six points adrift of group leaders Norway who look well on course to reach the World Cup. The double-header against Norway and then Italy is a stern test of depth and resilience, coming at a time when the federation has faced intense scrutiny over broader international issues surrounding Israeli football. The matches are not only about results but also about proving consistency under pressure and demonstrating progress under Ben-Shimon’s management as the team builds for the next window of qualifiers.
The extended squad: who’s in and what it signals
Ben-Shimon’s roster features a blend of experienced performers and players on the rise, and it includes:
- Goalkeepers: Daniel Peretz, Omri Glazer, Assaf Tzur
- Defenders: Roi Rabibo, Guy Mizrahi, Or Belorian, Anan Halili, Shagiv Yechazkel, Matan Baltaxa, Eli Dasa, Dani Groper, Idan Nachmias, Stav Lamkin
The midfield and forward lines were not detailed in the initial excerpt of the announcement, but the lineup includes notable inclusions that will interest observers. In particular, the squad features Or Abu Fani and Matan Baltaxa, highlighting both a return to midfield experience and defensive versatility for Ben-Shimon as he plans how to manage the two high-stakes away games on the horizon.
Abu Fani’s inclusion signals a desire to balance technical playmaking with defensive bloc solidity, while Baltaxa’s presence adds depth in central defense and cover in set-piece situations. The rest of the squad continues to rely on a core group of players who have compartmentalized experience and familiarity with international competition, giving Ben-Shimon a broad toolkit to adapt to different tactical needs across two demanding fixtures.
What this means for tactics and rotation
With a challenging schedule that pits Israel against two strong opponents in quick succession, Ben-Shimon will likely look to optimize rotation while maintaining defensive discipline. The away game at Norway will demand compact organization, quick transitions, and efficiency in the attacking third. Against Italy, the Israelis will need to manage rhythm and intensity over the course of 90 minutes, potentially adjusting tempo and pressing intensity based on the opponent’s formation and pressing triggers. The inclusion of players like Abu Fani and Baltaxa provides tactical flexibility: Fani can help control the tempo in midfield, while Baltaxa offers versatility in the backline and the ability to cover multiple defensive positions as needed.
Standings, pressure, and the broader context
The current standings and the international context add another layer of complexity to the window. The report notes discussions and rumors around potential international action affecting Israel’s status in FIFA and UEFA. While federation officials have insisted there is no emergency meeting planned to discuss such matters, the atmosphere around these fixtures is understandably charged. For the players, the immediate focus remains on delivering results on the pitch, maintaining composure under the added scrutiny, and using the games as a platform to demonstrate capability and cohesion on a continental stage.
Looking ahead: what fans should watch for
As the squad gathers ahead of the Norway match and the Italy trip, attention will center on how well the team translates Ben-Shimon’s plans into performance. Watch for how Abu Fani and Baltaxa influence build-up play, as well as how the defense holds up against two technically proficient opponents. Fans should also monitor how the midfield coverage adjusts to different phases of play, and whether any fresh combinations emerge during the late stages of the first match that could shape the selections for future fixtures.
Bottom line
The extended Israel squad marks a pragmatic approach from Ben-Shimon: reinforce the core while trusting emerging contributors, with Abu Fani and Baltaxa among the names indicating a balance of experience and flexibility. The next two fixtures will be a litmus test for this group as they chase World Cup qualification and navigate an increasingly complex international landscape.
