Moldova vs Israel: Match Prediction and Betting Tips for September 6, 2025

On Thursday, the Moldova national team will play against Israel at the Zimbru Stadium in Chisinau during the fifth round of the 2026 World Cup qualifying stage. Let’s examine the matchup and its betting outlook.

Match Preview

Moldova is among the weakest teams in Europe for this qualifying stage. Coach Sergey Cleșcenco’s squad has lost 12 World Cup qualifiers in a row, conceding at least two goals in nearly all of them. Playing at home hasn’t helped, as they have recorded 10 losses in their last 12 home games, with only two draws.

The team struggles to advance past midfield and seldom creates scoring opportunities. Even against lower-ranked teams like the Faroe Islands, Moldova has looked ineffective, and now they face a more organized and effective Israel. The absence of their top striker, Nicolaescu, will further weaken their attack.

Israel, coming off a 3-1 victory over Estonia, is currently second in the group and is focused on securing a World Cup spot. The team has been consistent in scoring, netting at least two goals in most away matches and having scored in their last seven qualifiers. However, their defense remains a concern, as they have conceded in every game so far.

Despite these defensive issues, Israel typically handles teams like Moldova easily, as demonstrated in the last qualification cycle where they won both matches against them. Coach Ran Ben Shimon’s team plays aggressively, moves quickly from defense to attack, and features strong forwards like Manor Solomon and Dor Turgeman.

Probable Line-Ups

• Moldova: Avram, Ryabchuk, Platika, Krachun, Baboglo, Ionita, Ratse, Kaymakov, Motspan, Cojocaru, Postolachi
• Israel: Glazer, Shlomo, Revivo, Nachmias, Yehezkel, Dor Peretz, Gloukh, Eliel Peretz, Kanichovsky, Turgeman, Solomon

Match Facts and Head-to-Head

• Moldova has lost 12 consecutive World Cup qualifiers.
• Israel won both matches against Moldova in the last qualifying campaign.
• Israel has scored in their last seven qualifiers but has conceded in every one.

Prediction

Israel is the clear favorite in this match, both in quality and depth. Moldova continues to struggle in qualifiers, and the home advantage has not helped them collect points. Israel is expected to win comfortably. Our pick: Israel to win with a -1.0 handicap at odds of 1.80.