Israel vs Moldova, FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifiers, Today Match Prediction

Israel vs Moldova Match Prediction & Analysis

In a low-key Group I clash of the World Qualifiers Europe, Israel and Moldova will aim to sign off on a positive note when they meet at the Zimbru Stadium in Moldova on November 17 at 1:15 AM IST. And Israel will enter the contest as the more confident of the two, having already edged past Moldova in their previous meeting. Regardless, with both teams already out of the World Cup picture, this becomes a battle for pride, as both teams look to finish on a high. 

Current Standings: With 9 points Israel are placed 3rd in Group I, while Moldova are stationed at the bottom of the group with just one point. 

Head-to-head Record: Israel have firmly dominated this matchup, winning five of the six meetings between the sides, with one ending in a draw.  

TEAMS PREVIEW

Israel Preview

Israel arrive for this one after a dull midweek friendly against Lithuania, where they mustered just two shots on target and posted an xG of 0.59. Still, the clean sheet would’ve been a welcome sight for Ben Shimon’s men after shipping 13 goals in their previous three qualifiers. Their defensive collapse has been surprising, especially considering how solid they looked last year when they kept Belgium and France quiet in the Nations League.

Though already out of the race, Israel have produced their share of drama—none bigger than the wild 4–5 showdown against Italy in September—and they’ll be eager to script one more against Moldova on Sunday.

Stats that matter 

1. Israel hasn't scored a goal in the last three matches.
2. In all of Israel’s 7 ‘home’ matches in WC qualifiers, both teams have scored.
3. Dor Peretz is currently top scorer for Israel while Manor Solomon leads the assists stats with 4 assists. 

Team News 

Israel will also have to cope without three key players this month, as Villarreal’s Manor Solomon, Union SG’s Anan Khalaily, and Maccabi Tel Aviv’s Sagiv Yehezkel all remain sidelined. 

Israel  Probable Starting Lineup -  Glazer(GK); Dasa, Nachimas, Blorian, Revivo; Gloukh, Kanichowsky, D. Peretz; Biton, Turgeman, Shua. 

Moldova Preview

Nothing has gone Moldova’s way this campaign—which is hardly surprising for a side ranked 156th in the world. Their journey has been defined by the brutal 11–1 thrashing in Norway, and the struggles didn’t stop there, with six losses in seven outings and only a single highlight: a 1–1 draw with Estonia in October.

Still, they showed real grit in their midweek clash with Italy, holding the Azzurri scoreless for over 80 minutes before late goals denied them a result. That fight, however, gives them something to build on as they aim for a much more competitive display against Israel on Sunday.

Stats that matter 

1. Moldova conceded an average of 4.00 goals in their WC Qualification UEFA games.
2. Moldova have conceded 28 goals, which is the 2nd most goals conceded by side in the qualifiers behind San Marino (32).
3. Moldovans have only managed to score four times in the competition, three of which have come against Estonia. 

Team News 

Moldova will be without Nichita Motpan for the clash, their only absentee this month. The good news, though, is the return of Artur Ionita, after he missed matches in October. 

Moldova Probable Starting Lineup: Cojuhar (GK); Revenco, Craciun, Stefan, Dumbravanu, Reabciuk; Caimacov, Rata, Ionita; Postolachi, Nicolaescu. 

ISRAEL vs MOLDOVA
Winning Prediction

Israel may not have home support behind them, but they still enter as clear favourites thanks to their dominant head-to-head record, including a commanding 4–0 win in the previous meeting. For Moldova, the plan will likely mirror their approach against Italy—stay compact, defend bravely, and hope for a rare Israeli mistake to pounce on. But with Israel’s attacking edge far superior, they remain the stronger pick to come away with the win. 

Israel to Win (3-0)

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