The Matchday 5 fixture of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers between Moldova and Israel will take place on September 5 at the Zimbru Stadium in Chișinău. Moldova vs. Israel: prediction and betting odds, statistics.
Moldova
Sergei Cleșcenco's team suffered a 0-2 defeat away to Italy in the last round. This loss marked their 12th consecutive defeat in World Cup qualifying. Notably, Moldova has conceded fewer than two goals in only one match during this stretch. In the current qualifiers, the team has already conceded 10 goals, the worst record in Group I, where they sit at the bottom of the standings.
- The team has conceded first in 10 consecutive World Cup qualifying matches.
- Moldova has not won any of their last 12 home games in World Cup qualifying (2 draws, 10 losses).
- In 4 of their last 5 home games in this tournament, the team failed to score against their opponents.
Predicted lineup for Moldova (4-5-1)
Cristian Avram – Oleg Reabciuk, Sergiu Platica, Artur Crăciun, Vladislav Baboglo – Artur Ioniță, Vadim Rață, Mihail Caimacov, Nikita Moțpan, Maxim Cojocaru – Virgiliu Postolachi.
Forward Ion Nicolaescu is suspended.
Israel
Ran Ben Shimon's side secured a 3-1 away victory against Estonia in the last round. Israel boasts a seven-match scoring streak in World Cup qualifying, though they have conceded in their last nine matches in this tournament. With six points, the team is second in their group, trailing the leading Norwegians by six points but with a game in hand.
- Both teams scored in Israel's last 7 World Cup qualifying matches.
- In 5 of their last 6 away games in this tournament, Israel scored at least twice.
- The team has conceded at least one goal in 7 of their last 9 away World Cup qualifying matches.
Predicted lineup for Israel (4-3-3)
Omri Glazer – Stav Lemkin, Roy Revivo, Idan Nachmias, Eli Dasa – Dor Peretz, Oscar Gloukh, Eliel Peretz – Dan Biton, Manor Solomon, Tai Baribo.
Referee
John Beaton (Scotland)
Matches – 14 (International matches, 2024/25 - 2025/26);
Yellow cards shown (including second yellows) – 85;
Average yellow cards per match – 6.1;
Red cards shown – 4;
Average fouls per match – 26;
Penalties – 50%.
Moldova vs. Israel: Match Prediction
Moldova started this qualifying cycle with a draw against the Faroe Islands, but since then, they've been on a losing streak in this tournament. The team has lost 12 consecutive World Cup qualifying matches, and their rare victories at the official level usually come against weaker opponents like Andorra and Malta in the previous Nations League. It's worth noting that even at home, Moldova has lost 10 of their last 12 World Cup qualifying matches (2 draws).
Israel has shown decisive results: in their last 11 World Cup qualifying matches, the team has claimed 7 victories and suffered 4 defeats. It's noteworthy that the team typically loses to stronger opponents, while they have no issues against teams of equal or lesser quality. Israel demonstrated this in both of their previous World Cup qualifying encounters with Moldova (2-1, 4-1).
My prediction: Israel to win