Hapoel Beer Sheva vs Maccabi Tel Aviv Prediction 16 July 2026
π Be'er Sheva are gearing up to host the final of the Israel Super Cup. The match has been surrounded by intrigue long before the opening whistle. Maccabi arrive at Toto Turner Stadium with a lengthy list of absentees, casting doubt on the Cup winnersβ ability to compete at full strength. Hapoel, meanwhile, enter the contest as the reigning champions, having lifted the trophy last year after defeating this very opponent. Yet, bookmakers remain undecided, with no clear favorite ahead of kickoff.
Head-to-Head
π In 2026, these rivals faced off four times, each side claiming two victories. However, it was Maccabi who came out on top in their most recent head-to-head, edging a 2-1 win in the Israel State Cup final. Notably, both teams found the net in three of those four encounters.
Head-to-head statistics Hapoel Beer Sheva - Maccabi Tel Aviv

Hapoel Beer Sheva Team Overview
Last season, Hapoel lifted the Super Cup after a dramatic 2-1 away victory over Maccabi, despite being reduced to ten men as early as the 17th minute. That psychological edge shouldnβt be underestimated - this squad have proven they can challenge their fiercest rivals even when the odds are stacked against them.
Heading into the new campaign, Hapoel enjoyed a solid pre-season and bolstered their ranks with several promising signings, including a 22-year-old Brazilian winger. Rana Kozuchβs side did fall 1-3 to Polish outfit Legia in their final friendly, but the Camels approach the Super Cup clash in peak condition. With no significant absentees reported, the coaching staff are set to field their strongest possible lineup.
Match Results: Hapoel Beer Sheva

Maccabi Tel Aviv Team Overview
The Yellows are facing a genuine personnel crisis. Ahead of the match, Maccabiβs list of unavailable players is truly alarming. Injuries and suspensions will sideline Kristijan Belic, Tyrese Asante, Elad Madmon, Kervin Andrade, and Helio Varela. Striker Ion Nicolaescu is also ruled out due to injury. These are significant losses.
The situation is so dire that Maccabiβs bench will be filled out by players recently recalled from loan spells. Even with these squad issues, Kenny Millerβs side remain competitive and will look to put up a fight, but the absence of key players severely limits their tactical options. On top of that, a recent 1-0 friendly defeat to Belgrade hardly boosts their confidence.
Match Results: Maccabi Tel Aviv
π¨ Yellow Card Prediction
Traditionally, clashes between Hapoel and Maccabi are marked by high intensity and fierce competition. With Maccabi dealing with a depleted squad, the visitors are likely to compensate for their absences with a more physical approach, which could lead to frequent fouls and heightened emotions. In a final where the stakes couldn't be higher, expect a real battle. Backing over 4.5 yellow cards looks like a solid bet.
β½ Goals Prediction
The stats suggest this match is unlikely to end goalless. While the visitorsβ attacking threat is diminished by their personnel issues, Maccabi have found the net in each of their last seven away fixtures, making it hard to imagine Hapoel keeping a clean sheet. Since 2025, these sides have met nine times, with both teams scoring in seven of those encounters - a trend that supports the Both Teams To Score (Yes) bet at odds of 1.61*.
π© Corner Prediction
With so much at stake, battles down the flanks will be crucial. Neither side is expected to dazzle with intricate passing or creative play, so set pieces could prove decisive. Hapoel average 4.7 corners per game over their last ten matches, while Maccabi register 5.4. Combined, these teams should comfortably clear the over 9.5 corners line - a bet thatβs landed in eight of Maccabiβs last nine matches. Odds stand at 1.92*.
*Odds are approximate and may vary across different bookmakers.
β Editorial Prediction
Maccabiβs injury crisis ahead of the Super Cup final puts them at a clear disadvantage. The absence of so many key players is bound to have a major impact on their performance. Meanwhile, their opponents are set to field their strongest lineup at home, backed by a passionate crowd. As the reigning champions, Hapoel simply have to capitalize on this opportunity. Given the circumstances, the most reasonable bet is on Hapoel to win with a (0) handicap. Our score prediction is 2-1.