Fresh off a stellar performance in the Audi 2023 MLS Cup Playoffs Round One, Sporting Kansas City midfielder Gadi Kinda has been called up to represent the Israel Men’s National Team. He joins them for a critical stretch of four games as they navigate the decisive phase of UEFA Euro 2024 qualifying. These upcoming fixtures are pivotal for Israel’s aspirations to participate in a major international tournament.
The backdrop to these Match Euro qualifiers is unique and challenging. Due to the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, Israel’s initially scheduled Euro qualifying matches in October were delayed. These crucial games are now condensed into an intense ten-day period within the November international window, from November 12-21. Adding to the complexity, Israel will play two home matches at the Pancho Arena in Felcsut, Hungary, due to the current war in Israel and Palestine, showcasing the global impact of these events on international sports.
Kinda’s international duty will conclude just ahead of Sporting Kansas City’s significant Western Conference semifinal away match, slated for the weekend of November 25-26. The opponent will be either Houston Dynamo FC or Real Salt Lake, setting up a potentially tight turnaround for Kinda as he transitions from international match euro action back to MLS playoff intensity.
Israel’s UEFA Euro 2024 Qualifying Schedule (All times 1:45 p.m. CT):
- Sunday, Nov. 12: at Kosovo | Fadil Vokrri Stadium, Prishtina
- Wednesday, Nov. 15: vs. Switzerland | Pancho Arena, Felcsut, Hungary
- Saturday, Nov. 18: vs. Romania | Pancho Arena, Felcsut, Hungary
- Tuesday, Nov. 21: at Andorra | Estadi Nacional, Andorra la Vella
After achieving promotion to the 2024-25 UEFA Nations League A, expectations are high for the Israeli national team. They are aiming to make history by qualifying for the European Championship for the first time since joining UEFA in 1994. Euro 2024 will feature 24 nations, with the top two teams from each of the ten qualifying groups automatically advancing, alongside host nation Germany and three additional teams progressing through a playoff round. The stakes are significant as every match euro in this window carries immense weight.
Currently, Israel holds the third position in Group I. They trail leaders Romania by five points and Switzerland by four, but crucially, they have games in hand due to the prior postponements. As the group stage reaches its climax on November 21, Israel’s campaign can culminate in three distinct outcomes: automatic qualification for Euro 2024 by securing a top-two finish, a third-place finish leading to a final playoff opportunity next March, or failing to place in the top three and thus exiting the competition. Kinda’s contribution in these match euro games could be decisive for Israel’s Euro 2024 journey.
Gadi Kinda brings a wealth of experience to the national team, having earned five caps for Israel previously. His last appearance was in a FIFA World Cup qualifier on October 12, 2021. Notably, his debut for Israel was marked by a memorable long-range goal in a 3-1 friendly victory against Montenegro on June 5, 2021. He also made his first start for the team shortly after, in a friendly match against Portugal. In September, Kinda received his first national team call-up in almost two years and was an unused substitute in matches against Romania and Belarus. Now, he is poised to play a more active role in these critical match euro qualifiers.
Kinda’s selection for Israel comes on the heels of his exceptional performances in Sporting Kansas City’s playoff victories over St. Louis City SC. He was instrumental in dismantling their rivals, scoring a stunning goal and providing two assists in a 4-1 win on October 29. He followed this up with a game-winning assist to Daniel Salloi in a 2-1 victory. This dominant 2-0 series sweep highlighted Kinda’s form, making him only the sixth player in Sporting Kansas City history to achieve multiple goals and assists in the Audi MLS Cup Playoffs. His club form undoubtedly strengthens his case to contribute significantly in the upcoming match euro games.
Since joining Sporting Kansas City in January 2020 from Israeli Premier League side Beitar Jerusalem, Kinda has amassed an impressive record of 16 goals and 20 assists in 79 appearances. Born in Ethiopia and raised in Israel, he spent the initial nine years of his professional career in Israel’s top leagues, including a significant period with his hometown club Ashdod.
Kinda was a key figure in Sporting Kansas City’s first-place finish in the Western Conference in 2020 and their third-place finish in 2021. After overcoming a knee injury that sidelined him in 2022, he made a successful return in April and has featured in 28 games this year, contributing five goals and eight assists, with a significant portion of these contributions coming in the recent playoff series. As he transitions to international duty, Gadi Kinda is set to bring his high level of performance to the match euro stage, balancing national team ambitions with his ongoing commitments to Sporting Kansas City’s playoff run.
