With their backs to the wall: the fateful game of the Israel national team

The Israel national team will visit Kosovo on Saturday in the fifth round of the Nations League, in a match that may decide its future in the competition. After four rounds without a win and only two points, a loss will guarantee its participation in the relegation playoffs in League B.

The Israel national team will face Kosovo on Saturday in the fifth round of the Nations League, in a match that may decide its future in the competition. After four rounds without a win, with only two points and two goals scored against seven conceded, the team is at the bottom of the group. UEFA has clarified that another loss will guarantee its participation in the relegation playoffs in League B in March 2027, against one of the runners-up in League C. An Israeli win would equal the points with Kosovo and keep the battle for third place open ahead of the final round against Austria. Coach Ran Ben Shimon is looking for solutions in the lineup: Manor Solomon suffers from back pain and did not participate in the tactical drill, while Niv Yehoshua, called up for the first time to the senior team, was drilled in the lineup and may get an opportunity. Idan Toklomati is also in the lineup picture.