Europe WC 2026 Qualifications Europe, 4-6 September

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Moldova vs Israel Preview:

Possible starting lineups:

Moldova:
Avram; Baboglo, Craciun, Dumbravanu; Platica, Motpan, Rata, Reabciuk; Caimacov, Ionita; Postolachi

Israel:
Da. Peretz; Dasa, Shlomo, Nachmias, Revivo; Do. Peretz, E. Peretz; Biton, Gloukh, Solomon; Turgeman

Moldova will welcome Israel to Stadionul Zimbru in Chisinau. This encounter is part of 2026 World Cup qualification – UEFA Group I, that also contain Estonia, Italy and Norway. Group winner qualifies directly, while second-placed side go to play-offs. Norway are the current leaders with 12 points from four matches, while Israel are second with six points from three matches. Moldova, meanwhile, are at the bottom of the table without points. They have suffered three defeats, to Italy, Estonia and Norway. It is clear the qualification campaign is finished for them. However, that doesn't mean they won't fight. I am sure all the players will give their maximum. However coach Serghei Clescenco has huge injury and suspension worries. Defenders Victor Mudrac and Veaceslav Posmac are both sidelined, as well as striker Vitalie Damascan. In addition, the hosts' all-time top goalscorer Ion Nicolaescu from Maccabi Tel Aviv must serve a suspension for accumulated yellow cards.

As I already wrote above, Israel are second on the table with six points from three matches. They managed to beat Estonia home and away, while lost to Norway. Nevertheless, Israel are still in the run for top-two spots in Group I and three points from this match are very important. Coach Ran Ben Shimon will not calculate, I think he will ask offensive from his players. Playing the final tournament would be something extraordinary for the country and the people. Israel's most recent World Cup appearance came way back in 1970, when the current players were not born. The additional problem is connect with the fact Israel are "guests" on every match of the qualifications due to actual political situation. Shimon has some players worries too. The biggest one is the captain Eli Dasa. He is without a club after leaving the Rushian side Dynamo Moscow, so it remains to be seen Shimon's decision. All eyes are focused on two strikers - Tottenham winger Manor Solomon, currently on loan at Villarreal - and Ajax forward Oscar Gloukh.

Moldova vs Israel Prediction:

Isreal are big favorites in this match. There are two reasons for my pick. First, Moldova are at the bottom of the table without points. They have suffered three defeats, to Italy, Estonia and Norway. It is clear the qualification campaign is finished for them. Second, Moldova coach Serghei Clescenco has huge injury and suspension worries. Defenders Victor Mudrac and Veaceslav Posmac are both sidelined, as well as striker Vitalie Damascan. In addition, the hosts' all-time top goalscorer Ion Nicolaescu from Maccabi Tel Aviv, must serve a suspension for accumulated yellow cards.

Moldova vs Israel Pick: Israel to win @ 1.56 with Pinnacle