Israel have participated in the qualifying of the World Cup in five different continents Asia, Africa, South America, Oceania and now Europe. Israel's best achievement was in the Asia Cup which they won in 1964. They reached one World Cup in 1970 but got knocked out in the first round.

Israel came extremely close to qualifying for the World Cup 2006. In fact they did not lose any of their 10 games in the group stage but 6 draws meant they finished third on goal difference behind France and Switzerland. Israel have become a very strong side and are tough to beat.