Israel defeats Estonia 3-1 in 2026 World Cup qualifier

Israeli national soccer team now in second place in its qualifying group for next year’s tournament in North America

Israel's Dan Biton, second from right, scores his side's opening goal during the World Cup 2026 group I qualifying soccer match between Estonia and Israel at the A. Le Coq Arena stadium in Tallinn, Estonia, June 6, 2025. (AP Photo/Sergei Grits)
Israel's Dan Biton, second from right, scores his side's opening goal during the World Cup 2026 group I qualifying soccer match between Estonia and Israel at the A. Le Coq Arena stadium in Tallinn, Estonia, June 6, 2025. (AP Photo/Sergei Grits)

Israel’s national soccer team beat Estonia 3-1 on Friday, advancing to second place in its qualifying group for the 2026 World Cup.

Estonia scored first in the game in Tallinn, before Dan Biton put in a goal minutes later to tie it up for Israel 1-1 going into halftime.

Biton scored again minutes into the second half to give Israel a 2-1 lead, which it would later expand to 3-1 on a penalty kick by Mohammad Abu Fani.

With the victory, Israel now has six points in Group I, putting it in second place behind Norway with nine points, which defeated four-time World Cup champion Italy on Friday.

Israel’s next game is scheduled for September 5 against Moldova, currently in last place in the group.

The 12 group winners qualify automatically for next year’s expanded 48-team tournament, while the runners-up head into the playoffs, which will decide the final four qualifiers from Europe.

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