Moldova and Estonia will clash on Tuesday, March 25, 2025, at Zimbru Stadium in Chisinau, seeking their first points in the 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifying rounds. Both teams come into the match after suffering disappointing defeats in their opener, making this a must-win encounter for both sides.
Moldova's last outing was particularly harrowing, as they lost 5-0 at home to Norway on Saturday, March 22, 2025. The defeat was striking, with goals from Julian Ryerson, Erling Haaland, Thelo Aasgaard, Alexander Sørloth, and Aron Dønnum contributing to a comprehensive beating that left the home supporters disappointed.
On the other hand, Estonia faced a close match against Israel on the same day, losing 2-1 at Nagyerdei Stadium. They initially took the lead thanks to Maksim Paskotsi, but an own goal by Karl Hein equalized matters. Eli Dasa struck the winning goal for Israel in the 75th minute, securing a much-needed victory for the visitors.
This meeting marks the first time since November 2008 that Moldova and Estonia have faced each other, a match that ended 1-0 in favor of Estonia. Throughout their five previous meetings, neither team has consistently found the back of the net, with recent contests hinting at defenses being favored over attacking flair.
Ion Nicolaescu is expected to be a standout player for Moldova. With five goals in the Eredivisie this season and a strong presence in the national squad, he will look to break through Estonia's defenses. In September, he scored in a Nations League win over Malta, showcasing his ability to deliver in crucial moments.
However, Moldova's coach, Serghei Clescenco, will have to navigate the challenge without Artur Ionita and Vitalie Damascan, both of whom withdrew from the squad before their clash with Norway. This further complicates Moldova's options as they seek to secure their first World Cup qualifying win. The pressure to perform at home will be immense, given that their last World Cup qualifier victory dates back to October 2013, when they triumphed over Montenegro 5-2.
Estonia will also be dealing with a personnel setback, as Markus Soomets is unavailable after receiving a red card against Israel. This absence weakens Estonia’s midfield, and coach Jurgen Henn must consider options such as Mihkel Ainsalu or Kevor Palumets to step in. Furthermore, Matvei Igonen is expected to take over as goalkeeper, following a half-time substitution in the previous match.
The odds suggest a highly competitive match, with Moldova at 21/20 to win at home, while Estonia is priced at 13/5 to end a four-match winless run. A draw sits at 2/1, a result that reflects the cautious expectations analysts have towards both teams.
Fans watching the game will be able to tune in through various platforms. The match will be broadcast live in Argentina starting at 14:00 on Disney+, Disney+ Premium, ESPN, and ESPN 2. For those outside this region, alternative viewing options may be available, though specifics vary by country.
Looking at the stakes of this match, it is evident that both sides are desperate for any points to kickstart their qualifying campaign. Past results show both teams have struggled to score against each other, indicating the likelihood of a hard-fought and closely contested battle on Tuesday.
As the match approaches, anticipation grows among fans in Chisinau and beyond, each team aiming to turn the tide following poor starts. Will Moldova finally end their nine-year wait for a World Cup qualifying win, or will Estonia step forward and secure a much-needed victory? The answer lies in the upcoming action at Zimbru Stadium!
