Hapoel Beer Sheva captured the 2025/26 Israel Football League Championship as they defeated Maccabi Tel Aviv 4-2 while Beitar Jerusalem played to a goalless draw at Hapoel Petach Tikva. Beer Sheva opened the scoring when they were issued a penalty after handball in the box by Ali Camara that Igor Zalmanovic slotted home in the 18th minute, while just minutes later Djibril Diop committed the same infraction that allowed Dor Peretz to score from the penalty spot as well and draw even at 1-1.

Kings Kangwa broke the deadlock as Amir Ganach set up the Zambian but Issouf Sissokho sent Kerwin Andrade a gorgeous through ball as the Venezuelan beat keeper Ofir Marciano to draw Maccabi even and send the contest into halftime all knotted up at 2-2. As both squads looked to break the deadlock, the southern reds finally did exactly that as Javon East set Zahi Ahmed for what could have been the easiest goal of the his career in the 77th minute while just minutes later, captain Miguel Vitor headed home a marker to give Beer Sheva the 4-2 win and the league title.

Next up for Beer Sheva is their final game of the league season on Saturday night when they host Maccabi Haifa which will be followed up by a State Cup Final clash against the same Maccabi Tel Aviv at Teddy Stadium in Jerusalem on Tuesday.

Head Coach Ran Kozuk, elated after reciting a verse from the Bible and thanking God, said after the match, “It’s an incredible feeling, the intensity here is unbelievable, I still can’t process it. We worked hard for this, from Alona Barkat the owner, through the professional staff and the medical team, it’s a truly extraordinary accomplishment. This club is a family. We could have looked for excuses, but we chose not to do that and not to focus on things beyond our control. We knew how to come into these tense last few matches and deliver.”

Chairman of the Professional Football Leagues Administration, Erez Kalfon said, “Warm congratulations to Hapoel Be’er Sheva, to owner Alona Barkat, to coach Ran Kozuk and his staff, the players and the fans on winning the State Championship title for the 2025/2026 season.

This impressive achievement joins a glorious historical legacy with the club’s sixth championship title. Hapoel Be’er Sheva demonstrated professional strength, determination, and commendable sportsmanship throughout the entire season, all of which rightfully led the club to this moment.

On behalf of the Professional Football Leagues Administration, I wish the club continued success, and I am confident that you will represent Israeli football in a sporting and honorable manner on the European stage next season as well.”

Shino Zoaretz, Chairman of the Israel Football Association commented, “Congratulations to Hapoel Beer Sheva on an impressive achievement in winning a sixth championship title. Full credit goes to owner Alona Barkat, coach Ran Kozuk, the players, the men and women of the club and of course the tens of thousands of supporters who push the team toward professional and social excellence. At the end of a wonderful sporting battle, full compliments as well to runners-up Beitar Jerusalem for a thrilling and high-quality football season.”