On Saturday, March 22, at Stadionul Zimbru in Chisinau, the road to the next World Cup qualifiers begins for Moldova and Norway. Both teams are part of Group I, alongside Estonia, Israel, and the loser of the UEFA Nations League quarterfinal between Italy and Germany. The home side, Moldova, had a successful 2024, finishing top of their Nations League group and earning promotion to League C. Head coach Serghei Clescenco’s team has never qualified for a major international tournament, but their recent form—winning three consecutive home matches for the first time in 21 years—is a promising sign. However, to qualify, they must outperform Norway and Italy or Germany, a challenge that remains difficult. Still, their strong Nations League performance could provide an alternative path through the playoffs. Norway also comes into the World Cup qualifiers in great shape, having topped Group 3 in Nations League League B, securing promotion to League A for the first time in history. Ståle Solbakken’s squad is expected to challenge Italy or Germany for the top spot. To start their World Cup campaign on the right foot, they must return from Moldova with all three points, aiming to reach their first World Cup since 1998.

Moldova's Recent Form & Key Statistics

Moldova is in great form, with 3 wins, 1 draw, and 1 loss in their last five matches (including friendlies), scoring 5 goals and conceding only 2. Overall, in 2024, Moldova has lost just 2 of their last 10 matches, with 6 wins and 2 draws.

Playing at home is undoubtedly an advantage, as they have won three consecutive home games against Malta, San Marino, and Andorra. Their last home defeat came in June, a 0-3 loss to Ukraine.

Norway's Recent Form & Key Statistics

Norway’s biggest strength is their attacking power, having scored 15 goals in their last five matches. They boast two prolific strikers: Erling Haaland and Alexander Sørloth, who have 29 and 15 goals this season for Manchester City and Atletico Madrid, respectively.

With this firepower, their minimum goal is securing a second-place finish, which would guarantee a playoff spot. However, their away form could be a concern, as they have won just 2 of their last 8 away matches, with their last victory being a 4-1 win in Slovenia.

Moldova vs Norway Prediction & Tactical Overview

Despite Moldova’s recent success, it must be noted that most of their wins have come against lower-ranked nations like Andorra, San Marino, Malta, and Gibraltar. Additionally, Moldova has never beaten Norway, with the Norwegians winning four times, and the only draw dating back to 2025.

As both teams are in good form, the BetMines algorithm’s prediction for Moldova vs Norway suggests a balanced match, but Norway is slightly favored due to their superior offensive quality.

• BetMines algorithm prediction for the match Moldova vs Norway predicts the 1 sign at 36%
• BetMines algorithm prediction for the match Moldova vs Norway predicts the X sign at 27%
• BetMines algorithm prediction for the match Moldova vs Norway predicts the 2 sign at 38%

Moldova vs Norway Predicted Lineups

Moldova (5-4-1): Celeadnic; Platica, Craciun, Mudrac, Baboglo, Reabciuk; Caimacov, Motpan, Rata, Postolachi; Nicolaescu. Coach: Clescenco.

Norway (4-4-2): Selvik; Pedersen, Gregersen, Østigård, Ryerson; Berg, Ødegaard, Berge, Myhre; Haaland, Sørloth. Coach: Solbakken.