Maccabi Haifa opened their 2026 preseason campaign with a comfortable 2-0 victory over Kiryat Yam SC at an international club friendly match on July 14, 2026. The fixture, played behind closed doors as part of Haifa’s summer preparations, gave the Israeli powerhouse a chance to test new signings, build fitness, and sharpen their attacking edge against a determined lower‑division opponent.

Match Overview

Kiryat Yam SC, a club from the lower tiers of Israeli football, offered stubborn resistance in the first half, but Maccabi Haifa’s superior quality eventually told. The green‑and‑whites controlled possession from the kick‑off, creating several half‑chances before breaking the deadlock just before the interval. A swift counter‑attack saw right‑back Daniel Arie deliver a pinpoint cross for striker Itamar Shviro, who headed home from close range to make it 1‑0 in the 43rd minute.

Second Half Domination

After the break, Haifa head coach made a raft of substitutions, giving valuable minutes to fringe players and academy graduates. The increased intensity paid off in the 67th minute when midfielder Omer Atzili collected a loose ball on the edge of the box and curled a low shot into the bottom corner, doubling the lead. Kiryat Yam rarely threatened the visitors’ goal, with Haifa goalkeeper Sharif Kaiuf enjoying a quiet evening behind a well‑organised defence.

Key Takeaways from the Friendly

• Team cohesion: Maccabi Haifa’s quick passing and off‑the‑ball movement showed clear tactical organisation, even with many changes.
• Depth of squad: The second‑half lineup created the same number of chances as the starters, a positive sign for the upcoming season.
• Kiryat Yam’s resilience: Despite the defeat, the home side defended bravely, particularly in the first 40 minutes, and will take confidence from their compact shape.

Looking Ahead

For Maccabi Haifa, this victory continues a strong tradition of winning early‑summer friendlies as they build toward the new league campaign. The result also extends their unbeaten run in preseason matches to four games. Kiryat Yam will resume their own preparations for the lower‑division season, with this outing providing a valuable benchmark against top‑flight opposition.