A 6–3 victory over Hungary in the final crowned the world’s top-ranked team as Masters winners  and extended their complete dominance of the World League.

It may have been expected, but the manner in which Israel continues to win remains impressive every single time. The Israeli Unity team became the first side in World League history to claim back-to-back titles in the league’s two major tournaments within less than nine months.

Coached by Oved Kraus, Israel added the Budapest Masters trophy to its growing collection after a thrilling weekend in the Hungarian capital.

Special praise must be given to the Hungarian organizing committee, led by Oliver Patocska, whose warm hospitality and excellent event management left a lasting impression on all participants.

In the semi-final, Israel defeated Serbia 6–0. The scoreline may appear one-sided, but Serbia offered strong resistance and trailed by only a single goal at halftime before Israel’s superior fitness and intensity took over in the second half.

Hungary, meanwhile, overcame a shocking 2–0 deficit against Slovakia. The Slovaks came within touching distance of a major upset, only to be undone by a dramatic Hungarian comeback in the final fifteen minutes. The hosts secured a 3–2 victory, earned a place in the Grand Prix, and strengthened their position as the world’s third-ranked team.

Slovakia continued what had already become a dream weekend by defeating Serbia in the match for the Rio qualification spot, claiming the bronze medal in the process.

The final itself was a true gladiatorial battle. Hungary relied on the duo of Torghelle and Juhász, while Israel countered with its devastating offensive trio of Hanzis, Ben Shabbat, and Anav.

The Grand Prix winners started strongly and raced into a 2–0 lead. Hungary quickly demonstrated why it is one of the strongest teams in the competition, fighting back to level the score at 2–2. However, just before halftime, Israel regained control and entered the break with a 3–2 advantage.

In the second half, Israel shifted into another gear. Inspired by outstanding performances from Ronen Hanzis and Shahack Ben Shabbat, with an important goal by Afik Gavish,  the visitors extended their lead to 5–2. Hungary refused to surrender and once again displayed tremendous character, reducing the deficit to 5–3.

In the final minute, Israel sealed the contest with a sixth goal, setting the final score at 6–3.

Remarkably, it was the first time in the history of the Israeli team that it had conceded three goals in a single match. If there was any consolation for Hungary, it was the knowledge that they had pushed the world champions further than anyone else in recent memory and delivered a highly encouraging tournament on home soil.

What more can be said about the world league’s number one team? A young squad, a modern high-pressing style of football, and players fully committed to the vision of what many consider the best coach in the World League.

Interestingly, Oved Kraus, who was once again named the most outstanding coach of the Tournament, announced that this would be his final match as a World League coach. Then again, he made the very same declaration after winning the Grand Prix. For that reason, there is every chance we will still see him patrolling the touchline in Rio.

Tournament MVP Ronen Hanzis, received his award from Commissioner Salvatore Primicerio and the mythic captain Ben Ben Yair lifted the trophy , and with that, the curtain fell on the 2026 Masters.

See you in Italy in 2027.