FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifying – UEFA Group I

Match date: Sunday 16 November 2025

Local kick-off time: 21:45 Europe/Chisinau (EET, UTC+2). ESPN and Sofascore list the start as 19:45 UTC, which converts to 21:45 local time. 0}

Venue: Stadionul Zimbru, Chisinau, Moldova. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}

Fixture hub reference: Flashscore identifies the match for 16 Nov 2025.

Match Preview

The final day in UEFA Group I brings Israel and Moldova together in Chisinau for a fixture loaded with pride and proof points, even if the table already favors Norway and Italy. With kick-off set for 21:45 in Europe/Chisinau, the setting is Stadionul Zimbru, a compact venue where noise concentrates and long phases of pressure can feel heavier than the raw attendance suggests. Recent form lines and market pricing cast Israel as favorites, but end-of-campaign dynamics often flatten gaps and elevate set plays, transitions and game-state swings.

Israel arrive after a bruising autumn that still showcased their attacking punch. The 4-5 thriller against Italy in Debrecen underlined both their chance creation and their defensive volatility, while a 4-0 away win in Chisinau back in September highlighted how quickly they can tilt a contest when their press and counter-press bite. Structurally, Israel tend to build with two behind the ball, push full backs high and search the half spaces for cut-backs rather than hopeful aerials. Expect rotations between wide forwards and attacking midfielders to create pockets for low crosses and late edge-of-box strikes.

Moldova have endured a punishing campaign, including a historic 11-1 loss to Norway that distorted both their goal difference and confidence. Yet their recent home meeting with Italy was combative and relatively controlled in a 0-2 defeat, and a 1-1 in Tallinn showed they can shrink the pitch and frustrate when their block stays compact. Their most realistic route here is clarity in rest defense, disciplined spacing between back line and midfield screen, and quick diagonals into the channels the moment Israel turn the ball over.

Tactical levers: Israel will try to pin Moldova back with sustained territory and pressure-pass their way into high-value cut-backs from the byline. The visitors are especially dangerous when the first pass after a regain is vertical rather than safe. Moldova must deny central half-turn receptions, forcing Israel to the outside where crossing volume can be defended with numbers and first contacts. For the hosts, restarts are essential: wide free-kicks and long throws are a path to leverage without over-committing numbers forward.

Personnel trends also lean toward Israel. Their pool includes ball-carrying wingers and midfielders comfortable receiving on the half turn, and their set-piece delivery has been a consistent source of chances. Moldova rely on industry, compactness and opportunism, seeking moments to attack isolated defenders rather than sustained passing sequences. If Israel score first, the flow can snowball as Moldova’s block is forced to lift lines and expose the channels. If it remains level past the hour, counter-pressure on Israel’s midfield becomes a live route to chances for the hosts.

Head-to-head context is stark: Israel have dominated recent meetings, including the 0-4 in Chisinau on 5 September 2025, a 2-1 win in October 2021 and a 1-4 away success in March 2021. Moldova’s last positive result in the series was a friendly draw in 2017, and competitive points have been scarce. Even so, final matchdays often produce tight margins, and Moldova’s energy in front of their home crowd should keep the contest fractious for stretches.

The bottom line: data and markets side with Israel, yet a clean sheet is not guaranteed if the visitors’ structure loosens in transition. Expect Israel to drive chance volume, Moldova to target set pieces and counters, and a match script that sharpens if the favorite fail to score before half-time.

TV Broadcast and Livestreams

• United Kingdom: European Qualifiers are carried via Prime Video PPV blocks on selected dates. Check the live listings grid near kick-off.
• United States: FOX Sports platforms with streaming via Fubo and ViX carry UEFA European Qualifiers coverage. Availability varies by fixture. 
• Moldova and region: Consult UEFA’s partners list for licensed local broadcasters. Selections can change close to matchday.
• Global: Use UEFA’s official Where to watch index to locate your territory’s rights holder.

Listings are subject to change and geo-restrictions.

Match Information

Kick-off, venue and conversion confirmed via ESPN and Sofascore.

Odds (1X2)

Prices update continuously. Check your bookmaker near kick-off.

Form and Head-to-Head

Head-to-Head – recent meetings

H2H per ESPN fixture history.

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Standings

Group I snapshot prior to kick-off per ESPN.

Prediction

Pick: Israel 2-0 Moldova

Reasoning: Israel’s head-to-head edge, higher shot volume and stronger set-piece threat point toward a professional away performance in Chisinau. Moldova’s compact block and restart focus can keep it tight for spells, but the visitors create better-quality chances and carry more individual match-winners. Market prices align with a multi-goal win probability without needing a shootout script.