2026-2027 Nations League: Israel vs. Kosovo, Probable Lineups

On neutral ground in Debrecen, Hungary, Israel and Kosovo face off on Matchday 3 of Group 3 in League B of the UEFA Nations League. Both teams are looking to bounce back after losses in their last matches: Israel was soundly defeated by the Republic of Ireland, while Kosovo lost to Austria. The three points are therefore crucial to stay in contention for promotion and, at the same time, keep the relegation zone at bay.

Ran Ben Shimon’s Israel is going through a tough stretch. The national team has lost five of its last six official matches and is ranked 76th in the FIFA rankings. After being relegated from League A, their campaign in the new group began with two losses: a 3-1 defeat against Austria in Linz and a subsequent 3-0 loss to Ireland, with the result already decided within the first 25 minutes.

Franco Foda’s Kosovo, on the other hand, heads into the match with greater confidence, despite their loss in Vienna. The Balkan team earned promotion from League C via the playoffs against Iceland and then kicked off its Nations League campaign with a historic victory over Ireland, secured by captain Vedat Muriqi. Kosovo has also recorded 14 wins in its last 20 matches overall, confirming significant progress on the international stage.

Ben Shimon is expected to welcome back Sayed Abu Farchi, who has returned from suspension and is favored over Tai Baribo and Dor Turgeman to lead the attack. Behind him, the lineup will feature the skill of Oscar Gloukh and the runs of captain Dor Peretz. In front of Daniel Peretz, the defensive line should be rounded out by Dasa and Revivo on the wings.

Kosovo will once again rely on Vedat Muriqi, the team’s offensive anchor and one of the key players on Foda’s squad. The center forward has tallied 19 goals and assists in the Nations League, second only to Erling Haaland in the competition’s history. Behind him will be Edon Zhegrova and Krasniqi.

Meanwhile, the availability of goalkeeper Arijanet Muric remains to be determined; he was forced to leave the match against Austria due to a physical issue. If he is unable to play, Amir Saipi will take his place in goal.

Probable lineups:

Israel (4-2-3-1): Da. Peretz; Dasa, Nachmias, Shlomo, Revivo; Khalaily, E. Peretz; Do. Peretz, Solomon, Gloukh; Abu Farchi.

Kosovo (3-4-2-1): Muric; Dellova, I. Krasniqi, Raci; Vojvoda, Hoxha, Avdullahu, Gallapeni; Zhegrova, E. Krasniqi; Muriqi.