Israel vs Moldova prediction 16.11.2025 | World Cup 2026 qualifiers

Israel face their final fixture in Group I aiming to end a disappointing qualification campaign on a positive note after falling well off the pace in the section.

The Blue and Whites have endured a tough run of form, losing each of their last three qualifiers in damaging fashion. Heavy defeats away to Italy (3-0) and Norway (5-0) exposed their defensive fragilities, while they also suffered a remarkable 5:4 home defeat against the Italians. Ran Ben Simon’s side now find themselves out of contention and playing for pride in their final outing.

High-scoring outcomes can usually be relied upon when Israel are in action, and in this fixture. The home side have seen over 2.5 goals scored in 11 of their last 13 competitive matches, including all seven of their Group I qualifiers. All but one of six previous meetings between these nations finished with three or more goals scored.

Head coach Simon is likely to make one or two changes from the side held to a friendly draw against Lithuania earlier this week. Dor Peretz is among those likely to come back into the first XI.

Moldova comes into Sunday's World Cup qualifier after a valiant display in Thursday's 2:0 defeat against Italy. Lilian Popescu's men had held firm for over 85 minutes before the Italians struck twice in the dying embers to secure victory at Stadionul Zimbru.

Another miserable qualifying campaign has seen the Moldovans pick up just one point from seven games played. Sunday's hosts failed to win any of nine games played in the last year.

A poor record in this fixture has seen Moldova lose all but one of six previous games against Israel, and a similar outcome seems likely this weekend. 

Head coach Popescu is unlikely to make too many changes from the side that started against Italy. Stefan Bitca and Vitalie Damașcan are in contention to come into the first XI should the Romanian boss opt to make changes to his selection.