Israel names extended squad ahead of pivotal Norway and Italy matches
The countdown to the next World Cup qualifying window is underway as Israel prepares for a challenging double-header: away to Norway next weekend, followed by an away match against Italy. On Tuesday, national team coach Ran Ben Shimon announced the extended squad for these fixtures, with few surprises but two notable inclusions — Abu Fani and Baltaxa — standing out among the roster.
Context and stakes
Israel currently sits third in the group with 9 points, six fewer than the leaders Norway, who look well-positioned to advance to the World Cup. The upcoming assignments are crucial for Israel’s hopes, offering a chance to tighten the gap or, at minimum, to keep momentum alive as the campaign intensifies.
Abu Fani and Baltaxa: key inclusions
The call-up highlights Abu Fani and Matan Baltaxa as central figures in Ben Shimon’s plans. Abu Fani’s playmaking instincts and Baltaxa’s defensive reliability could provide the tactical flexibility Israel seeks against two very different opponents. Their inclusion signals a continued belief in these players’ ability to contribute in high-stakes, qualification-stage matches.
Squad structure: goalkeepers and defense
The federation’s release confirms the following players as part of the extended squad’s backbone in the early phase of the window:
- Goalkeepers: Daniel Peretz, Omri Glazer, Asaf Zur
- Defenders: Roy Rabibo, Guy Mizrahi, Or Belorian, Anan Halili, Shagiv Yehezkel, Matan Baltaxa, Eli Dasa, Dani Groper, Idan Nachmias, Stav Lamkin
Midfield and attack
The announcement notes additions for midfield and attacking roles, but the excerpt provided does not enumerate the individual players in these lines. Ben Shimon’s approach is likely to preserve a stable core while integrating the new inclusions to add freshness and depth for the two demanding away tests.
Context: political pressure and federation response
In the lead-up to these qualifiers, there has been international discussion about Israel’s status in FIFA and UEFA. Reports of potential sanctions or suspensions have circulated, though the Israel Football Association stated there were no plans for an emergency session on this matter and emphasized that no such meeting was scheduled to discuss Israel’s standing on the global stage. The situation underscores how geopolitics can intersect with sport, even as teams focus on the football at hand.
What this means for Israel’s World Cup hopes
With 9 points, Israel remains in the mix but faces a tall order to catch up with the group leaders. The Norway encounter is a key test of the team’s consistency and tactical evolution under Ben Shimon, while the Italy game promises a different challenge in a away setting. The extended squad signals a measured, pragmatic approach: maintain the core, selectively rotate, and lean on the newcomers if they can inject energy and creativity when needed.
Squad snapshot
Goalkeepers: Daniel Peretz, Omri Glazer, Asaf Zur. Defenders: Roy Rabibo, Guy Mizrahi, Or Belorian, Anan Halili, Shagiv Yehezkel, Matan Baltaxa, Eli Dasa, Dani Groper, Idan Nachmias, Stav Lamkin. Midfield and attack selections were not enumerated in the provided excerpt, but are included in the extended squad for the two forthcoming fixtures.
