Moldova Faces Tough Opener Against Norway in World Cup Qualifiers

CHISINAU, Moldova — Moldova will kick off their 2025 World Cup qualifying campaign against Norway on Saturday, March 22, 2025, at Zimbru Stadium in Chisinau. The match, set to start at 1:00 PM ET, represents an opportunity for Moldova, who have not qualified for the World Cup since 1994.

The game marks the beginning of Moldova’s quest to reach the FIFA World Cup 2026, which will be hosted by the USA, Mexico, and Canada. Facing a strong opponent in Norway, who have won four out of their five previous encounters, Moldova is eager to revive their aspirations for a World Cup appearance.

Norway comes into the match as the favorite, buoyed by their impressive 5-0 victory over Kazakhstan in the UEFA Nations League last September. Star players Erling Haaland and Martin Ødegaard are expected to be key figures for Norway, aiming to deliver a strong performance in the qualifiers.

Moldova’s recent form gives them a glimmer of hope, having secured three wins and a draw in their last five matches. Their most recent outing resulted in a 1-1 draw against Gibraltar, suggesting they might challenge the Norwegians effectively.

The weather forecast for match day indicates pleasant conditions, with a slight chance of rain that is not expected to affect play significantly. As both teams prepare, anticipation builds among fans and analysts alike. “Norway is set to win this match,” stated one expert, reflecting the widespread expectation of a victory for the visiting team.

Moldova’s head coach, Serghei Clescenco, has been fine-tuning his squad for this critical clash, especially considering Moldova has not won a World Cup qualifier since 2013. Pressure mounts as they strive for an upset against Norway.

The last meeting between the teams, in 2014, ended with Norway winning 2-1, showcasing that Moldova can pull off surprises despite their tackle history against stronger opponents.

This Group I matchup also features Estonia and Israel, adding to the competitive nature of the qualifiers, where every point will indeed matter.

In summary, Saturday’s match serves as a pivotal moment for Moldovan football—a chance to carve a spot in the global soccer arena against formidable opposition. The roar of home fans may just provide the push Moldova needs to defy expectations.

As kickoff approaches, fans are eager to witness this potential showdown that could set the tone for the rest of the qualifiers. Tune in to catch the excitement as Moldova and Norway face off on the international stage.