The Israel national soccer team, governed by the Israel Football Association, has a rich history that dates back to its early days as part of the British Mandate of Palestine. Here is an overview of their history, major successes, and notable figures in the team's legacy:

History

Israel's national team was formed in 1948, following the establishment of the State of Israel. Initially, the team competed in the Asian Football Confederation (AFC), but political tensions led to its expulsion in the early 1970s. It was not until 1994 that Israel was officially included in the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA), where they currently compete.

Major Successes

• Asian Cup Victory (1964): One of Israel's most significant achievements was winning the AFC Asian Cup in 1964, which they hosted. This remains their only major international trophy.
• World Cup Appearance (1970): Israel qualified for their first and only FIFA World Cup in 1970, held in Mexico. Although they did not advance past the group stage, they managed to secure two draws against Sweden and Italy.
• Olympic Games Participation: Israel participated in the Olympic football tournaments in 1968 and 1976, reaching the quarter-finals in the 1968 Mexico City games.

Notable Players

• Mordechai Spiegler: Regarded as one of Israel's greatest soccer players, Spiegler was the top scorer for the national team and played a crucial role in their 1970 World Cup campaign.
• Eyal Berkovic: Known for his playmaking skills, Berkovic enjoyed a successful club career in Europe and was a key player for the national team in the 1990s and early 2000s.
• Yossi Benayoun: With a career spanning several top European clubs, Benayoun was a prominent figure in Israeli soccer and served as the national team captain for many years, becoming Israel's most-capped player.

Notable Coaches

• Avram Grant: Grant coached the national team from 2002 to 2006, guiding them to an unbeaten run in the 2006 World Cup qualifiers, although they narrowly missed out on qualification.
• Shlomo Scharf: He managed the team from 1992 to 1999, leading Israel to several near-qualifications for major tournaments and elevating the team's competitive status.

Throughout its history, the Israel national soccer team has faced unique challenges and celebrated key milestones, making it an integral part of Israel's sports culture.