- January 15, 2026
- 4:18 pm
- Israel
In Israel, preparations are underway for one of the most massive football evenings this winter: on Sunday, January 18, 2026, at the “Sami Ofer” Stadium in Haifa, a match between “Maccabi Haifa” and “Maccabi Tel Aviv” will take place. Due to the expected influx of fans, state services are pre-adjusting the transport scheme: some roads are planned to be closed, and Israel Railways (Rakevet Israel) will enhance train services to reduce road congestion and disperse crowds after the final whistle.
The focus is on the railway as a “predictable” way to evacuate the stands without chaos in the parking lots and without the typical nighttime traffic jam towards the center of the country. Official reports emphasize the motive: safety and flow control when thousands of people, buses, private cars, and taxis move around the arena simultaneously.
What exactly changes in the schedule: an additional train after the match
The key decision is to add a special train after the game. According to transport announcements, an additional service No. 8181 will be launched: it will depart from Haifa Hof HaCarmel station and head towards Ashkelon on the principle of “full — and go” (i.e., as soon as the train fills with passengers after the match, it departs without unnecessary delays, based on the actual end of the game).
The capacity is also specified: the train is planned to be configured with eight carriages to take the maximum number of people in one trip and not stretch the crowd at the turnstiles.
The estimated departure time of the additional train is 23:15, but it is tied to when the match ends (if there are delays, pauses, added time, organizational delays at the exit — the “window” may shift).
Which stations it will pass through
The route of the additional train after the game is detailed. It will stop at the stations:
Binyamina, Hadera Ma’arav, Netanya, Beit Yehoshua, Herzliya, all Tel Aviv stations, Holon-Wolfson, Bat Yam Komemiyut, Rishon LeZion Moshe Dayan, Yavne Ma’arav, Ashdod Ad Halom, Ashkelon (final stop).
This is important for those traveling from Haifa back “to the center” and further south: the list of stops shows that the train is designed for the mass evacuation of fans not only to Tel Aviv but also further along the coastal line.
Another change: adding a stop for train No. 137
In addition to the “special service,” the regular schedule is also being adjusted. It is reported that the regular train No. 137, which is scheduled to stop at “Haifa Hof HaCarmel” at 23:35, will have an additional stop at Beit Yehoshua station. This looks like a backup in case some passengers do not make it onto the “first wave” on train 8181 or if someone prefers a later option.
Additionally, there is a reminder about the possibility of purchasing a combined “day” ticket for a round trip (the wording in the announcements — as a way to save money and reduce waiting time in line at the ticket offices/terminals).
Why this was needed: demand for tickets and “external” logistics
Alongside the game, the “ticket” part of the story is also unfolding. On the “Maccabi Tel Aviv” website, an announcement about a ticket lottery for FOREVER club members who do not have the right to purchase through the points system is published. The simple meaning: there are more people interested than available seats and quotas, so part of the access is distributed through a draw.
Specific conditions are also indicated there:
The match will take place on January 18 (Sunday) at 20:30 at “Sami Ofer” in Haifa;
To participate, you need to register for the lottery; the winner will be able to purchase only one ticket;
Registration closes on January 15 at 16:00, then during the day, winners will be notified about the purchase;
It is separately noted that the lottery will be conducted through an accountant (auditor) — that is, they are trying to give the procedure formal transparency.
Together, these two stories (ticket excitement and transport reinforcements) paint one picture: the event is perceived in advance as potentially “overloading” the urban infrastructure, so transport is being prepared before the usual nighttime congestion begins at the exits from the stadium area.
What this means for fans in practice
If you are traveling from the center/south and plan to return late, it makes sense to rely on the railway: specific solutions are tailored to the match — a separate train + adjustment of regular service stops.
Do not strictly adhere to “23:15”: this is a guideline, not a promise to the second — departure is tied to the end of the match and actual boarding.
Expect closures and restrictions on approaches — this is stated directly, and it usually means less chaotic movement around the stadium, but more requirements for discipline (where passengers can be dropped off, where parking is not allowed, where flows are directed).
In summary: “Rakevet Israel” this evening is not just a background, but part of the safety and crowd management plan. And this is precisely the case when transport logistics become almost as important as the game on the field.
