WATCH: Israel, Albania soccer match devolves into shoving match after the crowd boos Hatikvah

After the home crowd booed Israel’s national anthem, Hatikvah, the Israeli team scored in the second half—prompting the goal scorer to kiss the Star of David on his jersey and silence the hostile crowd, at which point Albanian players began shoving him.

For anyone who doesn’t follow soccer: this was a friendly. No tournament, no qualifying spot, no points on the line. Neither team's qualified for the upcoming World Cup.

Friendlies exist so national teams can train against real opponents in the off weeks, and historically to… pic.twitter.com/Z91iYGpKic

— Eli Kowaz – איליי קואז (@elikowaz) June 5, 2026

Albania vs. Israel: Boos drowned out Israel's anthem during football match.

Punches, shoving, shoes and garbage rain down from the stands to Israeli team.

Partial boycott kept the stadium half-empty.pic.twitter.com/OUatyG5xEC

— Clash Report (@clashreport) June 5, 2026

AlbaniaHatikvahSoccer