Israel (W) vs France (W) Prediction 4 February 2026
The situation at the 2026 European Championship has unfolded predictably for both teams. In yesterday's semifinals for 5th to 8th places, both squads faced tough defeats: Israel (W) fell to Croatia (W) with a score of 11-16, while France (W) were routed by Spain (W) 4-15. Today's match represents the last opportunity for a strong finish. Expect a fierce battle, as the Israeli team is eager for revenge after their loss in the previous tournament.
Head-to-Head
Looking at the statistics, France (W) have held a clear advantage in recent years. At the 2024 European Championship, the French women triumphed 16-8. In the 2023 World Championship, they were again the stronger side, winning 11-7. However, in the 2022 Olympic qualifiers, Israel (W) managed to snatch a victory with a 13-10 scoreline. The overall trend suggests that while France (W) often secures wins thanks to their experience, the gap in class is gradually closing.
Head-to-head statistics Israel (W) - France (W)

Israel (W) Team Overview
The Israel women's national team, led by Dimitrios Mavrotas, are playing a high-energy and very gritty style of water polo in this tournament. They put up a decent fight against the Hungarian team in the group stage, despite losing 22-6. The main issue is that the team tends to falter when the opponent applies intense pressure.
Match Results: Israel (W)

France (W) Team Overview
France (W) are currently undergoing a generational transition. The core remains intact, but they're lacking new talent. At Euro 2026, their performances have been inconsistent: they can challenge the top teams but crumble against equals. A 5-24 loss to Italy in early February dealt a significant blow to their morale.