Match Introduction

The 5th round match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification tournament between the national teams of Moldova and Israel will take place on September 5 at the Zimbru Stadium in Chisinau. Below is our in-depth forecast and betting analysis, including odds and statistics for the Moldova vs Israel encounter.

Moldova’s Current Form and Challenges

Serghei Clescenco’s squad faced a 0-2 away defeat against Italy in their previous fixture. This loss marked their 12th consecutive defeat in World Cup qualifiers. It’s noteworthy that Moldova has conceded fewer than two goals in only one match during this period. In the current qualification campaign, the national team has already conceded 10 goals, which is the worst record in Group I, where the Moldovans currently occupy the bottom spot.

Key Statistics for Moldova

• The team has conceded the first goal in 10 consecutive World Cup qualification matches.
• At home, Moldova has failed to win in their last 12 World Cup qualification matches (2 draws, 10 losses).
• In 4 of their last 5 home games in this tournament, the national team failed to score a single goal.

Moldova’s Predicted Lineup (4-5-1)

Cristian Avram – Oleg Reabciuk, Serghei Platica, Artur Craciun, Vladislav Baboglo – Artur Ionița, Vadim Rață, Mihail Caimacov, Nichita Moțpan, Maxim Cojocaru – Virgiliu Postolachi.

Team News: Moldova

Forward Ion Nicolaescu is suspended for this match.

Israel’s Performance and Group Standing

Ran Ben-Shimon’s team secured a 3-1 away victory against Estonia in their last match. Israel has maintained a 7-match scoring streak in World Cup qualifiers, although they have also conceded in their last 9 games in this tournament. With 6 points, the national team currently holds the 2nd position in their group. Israel is six points behind leaders Norway but has a game in hand, making this fixture crucial for their ambitions.

Key Statistics for Israel

• Both teams have scored in Israel’s last 7 World Cup qualification matches.
• In 5 of their last 6 away games in this tournament, the team has scored at least twice.
• Israel has conceded at least one goal in 7 of their last 9 away matches in World Cup qualifiers.

Israel’s Predicted Lineup (4-4-2)

Omri Glazer – Raz Shlomo, Roy Revivo, Idan Nachmias, Sagiv Jehezkel – Dor Peretz, Oscar Gloukh, Eliel Peretz, Gavriel Kanichowsky – Dor Turgeman, Manor Solomon.

Match Official: John Beaton

John Beaton (Scotland) will be the referee for this encounter.

Referee Statistics

Matches officiated (International, 2024/25 – 2025/26) – 14;

Yellow cards shown (including second yellows) – 85;

Average yellow cards per match – 6.1;

Red cards shown – 4;

Average fouls per match – 26;

Penalties awarded – 50%.

Moldova vs Israel Match Prediction

The Moldovan team shared points with the Faroe Islands in the first round of the previous qualification cycle, but since then, they have been on a difficult run in this tournament. The national team has lost 12 consecutive matches in World Cup qualifiers, and their rare official victories typically come against weaker opponents, such as Andorra and Malta in the last Nations League. It’s telling that even on home turf, Moldova has lost 10 of their last 12 World Cup qualification matches (with 2 draws).

Israel, on the other hand, has shown uncompromising results: in their last 11 World Cup qualification matches, the team has secured 7 victories and suffered 4 defeats. It’s important to note that Israel usually loses to strong opponents, while generally having no problems against teams of equal or lower caliber. This was evident in both of their previous head-to-head encounters with Moldova in the last World Cup qualification campaign, where Israel won 2-1 and 4-1.

Our Final Betting Tip

Our prediction: “Israel Win” with odds of 1.50