A season of change
The 2026 Israel Premier League season is set to begin with fourteen clubs battling for the coveted championship. Hapoel Beersheba, the reigning champion, enters the campaign under intense scrutiny as it attempts to retain its title while also navigating Champions League commitments.
Beitar Jerusalem, a club that has not lifted the league trophy in nearly two decades, has appointed Almog Cohen as its new head coach. Cohen, a former player turned tactician, has bolstered the squad with experienced signings such as striker Shon Weissman, midfielder Tomer Yosefi, and young talents Daniel Worko and Noam Muche, hoping to end the long title drought.
Meanwhile, Hapoel Tel Aviv, backed by the Safra family, has transformed from a second‑division side into a contender on the continental stage. The roster now features foreign stars like Radamel Falcao, Douglas Owusu and Mayembo, alongside Israeli veterans such as Doron Leidner, giving the team a blend of experience and flair.
The transfer window has seen several key departures that could reshape the competitive balance. Notably, Kings Kangwa, a pivotal attacker for Beersheba, was sold, weakening the defending champions’ offensive options. Other movements include striker Sayed Abu Farhi’s reported switch to the Colorado Rapids and left‑back Roy Revivo’s potential European transfer.
Maccabi Haifa, under the guidance of Sports Director Lior Refaelov and head coach Barak Bachar, has reshuffled its squad to strengthen its title aspirations. The club’s recent signings aim to fill gaps left by departing players and to add depth for a sustained campaign.
Maccabi Netanya, led by veteran tactician Roni Levy, is targeting a playoff spot with the addition of Brazilian striker Matheus Davo. Levy’s tactical acumen combined with Davo’s goal‑scoring ability could prove decisive in the club’s push for promotion.
Hapoel Jerusalem, coached by Lior Zada, is integrating newcomers Vitalie Damscan and Israel Dappa. The duo is expected to reinforce the goalkeeping department and add firepower to the attack, addressing areas that have hampered the team in recent seasons.
Ironi Tiberias begins the season with a negative point deduction, a penalty that could exacerbate its already precarious standing. The club’s reputation for inconsistency adds an extra layer of uncertainty to its campaign.
Finally, newly promoted Hapoel Ramat Gan will play its home matches at the Rehovot Stadium, where experienced players such as David Asanka and Maxim Plakushenko hope to make an immediate impact in the top flight.