Moldova vs Norway

Norway’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign gets underway at the Stadionul Zimbru against sub-par Moldova.

Moldova have never featured in a major tournament, but an outstanding 2024 has fueled hopes of finally breaking that duck. The Tricolours suffered just two defeats across ten matches throughout the calendar year (W6, D2), a run that secured top spot in their UEFA Nations League group and granted them two potential routes to the 2026 World Cup. That is a welcome boost for Serghei Cleșcenco’s men, who endured back-to-back bottom-place finishes in their last two World Cup qualifying campaigns, failing to win a single game in the process (D3, L17)! However, the Moldovans look well-positioned to end that miserable streak, having won three consecutive home matches for the first time in 21 years, all with clean sheets – although the highest-ranked of those opponents was #168 Malta.

Maintaining that streak won’t be easy against #43-ranked Norway, who also topped their Nations League group with four wins from six matches (D1, L1) to earn a historic promotion to League A. That accomplishment has bolstered hopes of a first major tournament appearance since 2000, but the Lions’ inconsistent away form could be a stumbling block. Ståle Solbakken’s men have won just two of their last eight road games (D3, L3), conceding 3+ goals on four occasions. However, they can take confidence from their unbeaten H2H record against Moldova (W4, D1), including a World Cup qualifying victory in 2005. Connoisseurs of action-packed football could enjoy this fixture, considering Norway’s last five internationals have produced over 2.5 goals.