Moldova will take on Norway in a crucial opening match of the UEFA World Cup Qualifiers for 2025, aiming to revive their quest for a World Cup appearance. This match will not only mark the beginning of their qualification campaign for the FIFA World Cup 2026, hosted by the USA, Mexico, and Canada, but also test their ability against a strong Norwegian side.
Scheduled to kick off at 1:00 PM ET on Saturday, March 22, 2025, the game will be held at Zimbru Stadium in Chisinau, Moldova. Fans in the USA can catch the action live on FS2, as well as streaming via Fubo, DirecTV Stream, and ViX, offering several ways to engage with this exciting encounter.
Norway enters this match as clear favorites, having historically dominated Moldova in their past encounters, winning four out of five games, with one draw. Their most recent match saw them claim a convincing 5-0 victory over Kazakhstan in the UEFA Nations League, showcasing the firepower of star players like Erling Haaland and Martin Ødegaard, who are crucial to their qualification aspirations.
On the other hand, Moldova aims to channel their recent improvements into a strong performance against their Northern European rivals. Despite being underdogs, they have shown resilience in their recent form, securing three wins and a draw in their last five outings. Notably, Moldova's last draw was against Gibraltar, ending in a 1-1 draw, and shows they can hold their ground against more formidable opponents.
The weather on match day is expected to be pleasant, providing an ideal setting for soccer. Forecasts indicate a slight chance of rain, which should not impact the game significantly.
As the match approaches, the excitement among fans grows. With analysts predicting a decisive win for Norway, the pressure is surely on them to deliver. As reported, "Norway is set to win this match," indicates sure confidence in their capabilities.
Moldova's coach, Serghei Clescenco, has been working towards fine-tuning his squad. Notably, Moldova has not secured a victory in World Cup qualifying since 2013, which adds more urgency to their performance on Saturday. Their last four matches against stronger sides suggest that they have the potential to surprise, especially given their improved squad dynamics.
When these teams last faced off in 2014, Norway won 2-1, indicating that while Moldova has had struggles, the outcomes are not inescapable. The challenge for Moldova is immense but not insurmountable.
This first match of the group stage is vital as Group I also includes Estonia and Israel, meaning every point will count as they compete to advance past the qualifiers.
In summary, Saturday’s match represents much more than just points on a table. It encapsulates the hopes and aspirations of Moldovan football—a chance to declare their place on the international stage against a well-seasoned foe. With the roar of home fans behind them, Moldova hopes to challenge the odds.
As the time nears for the whistle to blow, it’s essential for fans, analysts, and players to tune in and witness what is expected to be an exhilarating showdown between these two nations. Prepare for a thrilling kickoff and let the best team secure their spot in the path towards the World Cup 2026!
