21-year-old striker joins national team for pivotal matches against Moldova and Italy as Israel sits second in Group K
Foxborough, MA — New England Revolution forward Dor Turgeman has received his latest call-up to the Israel Men’s National Team, joining head coach Ran Ben Shimon’s 23-man squad for crucial FIFA World Cup European Qualifiers that could determine the nation’s path to the 2026 tournament.
The 21-year-old striker will represent Israel in two pivotal Group K matches: an away fixture against Moldova on Friday, September 5 (2:45 PM ET), followed by a home match against Italy on Monday, September 8 (2:45 PM ET). Due to ongoing regional circumstances, Israel’s “home” match against Italy will be played in Hungary.
Critical Qualifying Position
Israel enters September’s qualifiers in an encouraging second-place position in Group K with a 2-1-0 record through their opening three matches. The stakes couldn’t be higher, as the top team in each group will automatically qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, while second-place finishers will enter a qualification playoff.
The upcoming World Cup holds special significance for New England supporters, as seven matches are scheduled to be played in Boston, potentially allowing local fans to watch Turgeman compete on soccer’s biggest stage.
Rapid MLS Integration
Turgeman’s call-up comes just over a week after his acquisition by the New England Revolution on August 20 from Israeli club Maccabi Tel Aviv through the MLS U22 Initiative. The swift transition from club transfer to international duty demonstrates both his immediate impact potential and his established status within the Israeli national team setup.
His recent move to Major League Soccer represents a significant step in his career development, providing him with a new platform to showcase his abilities while maintaining his international commitments.
Proven International Experience
Despite his young age, Turgeman brings substantial international experience to the Revolution roster. He made his senior international debut for Israel in September 2023 during European Qualifying action against Romania, quickly establishing himself as a key component of the national team’s attacking options.
The striker has already made meaningful contributions to Israel’s World Cup qualifying campaign, recording his first senior international goal in a qualifier against Norway earlier this year. He followed that breakthrough moment with his first international assist in the subsequent match against Estonia, demonstrating his growing influence at the international level.
In total, Turgeman has earned 10 senior caps for Israel, starting seven of those appearances. His international experience spans multiple competitions, including six appearances in European qualifiers and one in UEFA Nations League A, where he started in a notable draw away at France on November 14, 2024.
Balancing Club and Country
Turgeman’s international duty comes at a crucial time in New England’s MLS season, with the Revolution preparing to host Charlotte FC at Gillette Stadium on Saturday, August 30, at 7:30 PM ET. The timing highlights the challenges faced by MLS clubs when international windows coincide with important league matches.
The Revolution will need to manage without their new striker as he represents his country in matches that could define Israel’s World Cup aspirations. This situation underscores the global nature of modern soccer, where club and country commitments often intersect during critical periods.
World Cup Implications
Israel’s position in Group K reflects their competitive approach to European qualifying, where they face established soccer nations in their quest to reach the 2026 World Cup. The matches against Moldova and Italy represent contrasting challenges: Moldova offers an opportunity to secure crucial points against a theoretically weaker opponent, while Italy presents a test against one of Europe’s traditional powers.
For Turgeman, these qualifiers provide a platform to continue his international development while representing his new MLS club on the global stage. His performances could influence both Israel’s World Cup hopes and his own trajectory as he adapts to American soccer.
Revolution’s International Presence
Turgeman’s call-up adds to New England’s international representation, reflecting the club’s ability to attract players who compete at the highest levels of international soccer. His inclusion in Israel’s squad also provides valuable exposure for MLS as the league continues building its global profile.
As the Revolution navigates the international break, Turgeman’s experiences with Israel will likely benefit his integration into MLS and provide valuable insights that could enhance his club performances upon his return to Foxborough.
The young striker’s journey from Israeli club soccer to MLS and continued international duty exemplifies the modern soccer landscape, where talent moves fluidly between leagues and continents while representing national pride on the world’s biggest stages.
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