Israel Coach Ran Ben Shimon Names Squad for Nations League Clashes
Israel coach Ran Ben Shimon announced the squad for upcoming Nations League matches against Kosovo and Austria, featuring a maiden call-up for Niv Yehoshua and Orian Goren.
Israel national team head coach Ran Ben Shimon announced the squad for the upcoming UEFA Nations League matches against Kosovo away on November 14 and Austria at a home venue in Hungary on November 17. The national team will conclude its Group 3 League B campaign seeking its first victory after recording two draws and two losses in previous fixtures.
A central narrative of the squad selection is the inclusion of midfielder Orian Goren. The young talent, who has previously trained within Barcelona's setup, was heavily courted by the Czech Football Association due to his Czech passport eligibility. By calling him up, Ben Shimon ensures that his first appearance on the pitch will cap him permanently to Israel, following his progression through the country's youth national teams.
In addition, impressive midfielder Niv Yehoshua earned his maiden senior call-up alongside Maccabi Haifa defender Noam Steinpman. Meanwhile, Mohammad Abu Fani was omitted from the list, as well as Dia Saba, who remains outside the national team setup despite solid club form, and Stav Lemkin, who continues his recovery from a long-term injury.
Full Squad List
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Goalkeepers: Daniel Peretz, Omri Glazer, Assaf Tzur.
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Defenders: Eli Dasa, Guy Mizrahi, Roy Revivo, Anan Khalaili, Ilay Feingold, Noam Steinpman, Raz Shlomo, Idan Nachmias, Nikita Stoyanov.
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Midfielders and Forwards: Gabi Kanichowsky, Niv Yehoshua, Yarin Levi, Dor Peretz, Oscar Gloukh, Omri Gandelman, Eitan Azulay, Orian Goren, Liel Abada, Manor Solomon, Dor Turgeman, Ido Shahar, Yarden Shua.
Nations League Campaign and Standings
Israel currently sits at the bottom of Group 3 in League B with two points from four matches. The primary objective for Ben Shimon's side is to climb out of the fourth spot into third place to secure direct survival in League B.
Finishing fourth does not mean automatic relegation to League C. Instead, the team would enter a two-legged relegation playoff in March 2027 against one of the runners-up from League C groups, with the winner securing safety in League B.
