A Leap to Promotion: The National League Returns — And Here Is Everything You Need to Know
Ashdod and Reine aim for an immediate return to the Premier League, Bnei Yehuda is eager to end its drought, and observers expect the usual unpredictable chaos that defines the National League.
Welcome back to the most unpredictable league in Israeli football. The National League is a place where a club declaring promotion in August might find itself looking down the table with concern by December, and where budget or past prestige serves only as a starting point, not an insurance policy. Tonight, the 2026/27 season kicks off, with five teams marked as primary promotion candidates: Bnei Yehuda, M.S. Ashdod, Bnei Reine, Hapoel Rishon LeZion, and Maccabi Herzliya. All others are poised to make every match a difficult test.
The court did not help: Ashdod's attempt to use legal channels to remain in the Premier League failed. Following a complaint regarding the IV drip affair, the club hoped for a punishment for Tiberias, but the request to postpone tonight's match against Afula was rejected. Thus, the team officially begins the season in the second division. Dor Micha, one of the most familiar names in Israeli football, has joined Ashdod, making them a paper favorite. It is an intriguing start for Guy Vizinger, who takes on his first head coaching role after years on the Maccabi Haifa staff. This year, he will face his brother Shahar, who is now coaching Hapoel Kfar Saba.
While Ashdod navigates new territory, Bnei Yehuda knows every corner of this league. Since their relegation in 2021, the club has endured five seasons of coaching changes and disappointment. This summer, they provided Eli Levy with a stronger squad, including Brazilian signing Ze Flores from Sheriff Tiraspol. Their main hurdle is psychological pressure, but they enter the season with confidence after a 6:0 Toto Cup semi-final win over Ashdod, highlighted by a Sagi Dror hat-trick.
Just a few years ago, Reine's presence in the National League seemed unlikely, but after four years in the Premier League, they are aiming for an immediate return. With the excellent Antonio Sefer and proven scorer Roi Zikri, they are a team to watch. Lior Reuven remains at the helm despite last season's relegation.
Double miss: Herzliya and Rishon LeZion are both driven by the feeling of missed opportunities from last season. The narrative is spiced up by Elad Braun, who led Herzliya last year, moving to coach Rishon LeZion, with Nitzan Damari taking his place. The promotion race remains wide open: Hapoel Acre is signaling intent, Kfar Saba is banking on young loanees, and Kfar Shalem remains a dangerous dark horse. Ahi Nazareth returns to add color, and Kiryat Gat is dreaming big.
First round games tonight (19:30): Kfar Shalem - Kafr Qasim, Afula - Ashdod, Acre - Kiryat Gat, Rishon LeZion - Kfar Saba, Hapoel Ra'anana - Ahi Nazareth (Levita), Reine - Bnei Yehuda, Jaffa - Kiryat Yam (Nes Ziona), Modiin - Maccabi Herzliya (Lod).
