Israel were part of the European world cup qualification groups. They started off with three draws, against Northern Ireland and Sweden respectively. Israel really suffered when they travelled to Portugal to face the mighty football nation, they fell 3-0 behind by half time and qualification was out the window. Two consecutive defeats at home and away to Scotland made matters worse, however in their final match at home to Portugal; they won emphatically 4-1.
In June 1983, they entered the qualification stages of the Olympics. They faced world cup finalists, West Germany away from home, and put on a great show, fighting for a 2-2 draw. A Home win over Portugal meant Israel only needed 4 points from their last 2 matches to secure qualification. However that was not to be as they crashed in their final two matches, losing at home to the West Germans and away to Portugal.
Israel spent the large remainder of 1984 playing friendly matches, including victories over the Republic of Ireland, Malta and Luxembourg.
Israel was drawn to face Taiwan, Australia and New Zealand at home and away in qualifying for the 1986 world cup finals.