Norway's national football team is gearing up to kick off its World Cup qualifying campaign against Moldova on Saturday, March 22, 2025, at 14h (2 PM) local time. This significant match will unfold at the Zimbru Stadium in Chisinau, the capital city known for its vibrant history and culture. Excitement builds as fans anticipate witnessing their star players—including Erling Haaland and Martin Ødegaard—take the field together.
The match against Moldova marks not only the beginning of the first round in Group I of the European qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup, but it also represents a crucial step for Norway, which has not qualified for the World Cup since 1998. Coach Ståle Solbakken’s side aims to capitalize on their recent successes and momentum to secure a favorable start to their campaign.
Fans can catch the live broadcast of the match on Sportv and Globoplay, ensuring that supporters from afar can follow every critical moment as Norway seeks to claim all three points. These qualifiers are not just about individual glory but also about the collective ambition to return to the international stage, showcasing Norway's footballing talents.
The anticipated lineup for Norway features some of the best players on the European circuit. The starting team is expected to include Jacob Karlström in goal, supported by a defensive line featuring Marcus Pedersen, Andreas Hanche-Olsen, Leo Østigård, and Julian Ryerson. In the midfield, the experienced duo of Patrick Berg and Ødegaard will look to control the pace of the game, while Sander Berge and Fredrik Aursnes add depth and creativity. Haaland is set to lead the attack alongside fellow striker Alexander Sørloth, promising an exciting offensive display.
However, the team won't be without challenges. Norway will be missing Jorgen Strand Larsen, who is sidelined with a hand fracture, alongside midfielder Morten Thorsby due to injury. Nevertheless, the return of Ødegaard—who has been recovering from his own injury—adds a much-needed boost to the squad as he takes the captain's armband.
In its recent outings in the UEFA Nations League, Norway has demonstrated formidable form, achieving impressive victories such as a 5-0 win against Kazakhstan and a 4-1 triumph over Slovenia. This stellar performance has propelled them to rise to the top tier of European football—the League A—demonstrating the team's gradual ascent on the continental stage.
Looking ahead, Norway faces a series of important fixtures after the initial game against Moldova. On March 25, they will clash with Israel, an opponent that will surely test their resolve. The team will also play another match against an as-yet-to-be-confirmed opponent on June 6, followed by a pivotal encounter against Estonia on June 9. Each of these matches will be vital for Norway's aspirations to qualify for the World Cup, adding layers of pressure and excitement to the qualifying rounds.
As Norway faces Moldova, the atmosphere brims with hope and determination from both players and supporters. This World Cup qualifying campaign represents not just a series of football matches, but a chance for Norway to reinstate its pride in the global football arena, rekindling national aspirations for the famous tournament. With a talented roster led by Haaland and Ødegaard, who have become household names in their respective leagues, Norway aims to start their qualification journey on a high note.
As the whistle blows at Zimbru Stadium, all eyes will be on Norway as they embark on what they hope will be a successful path toward the World Cup 2026. Fans and players alike are united in their anticipation—not just for this match against Moldova, but for the greater challenges the journey ahead holds.
