Moldova vs Kazakhstan prediction 13.11.2026 | Nations League

Moldova have never played in a major tournament, and that is unlikely to change soon, but they have the opportunity to progress to League B of the Nations League this year, and that would be a huge step forward. Moldova have four points after four rounds and have an excellent chance to finish second in the group, but for that to happen, Lilian Popescu's team needs one or two more good results. Moldova's worst game in the Nations League this season was their most recent outing, when they lost 4-0 at home against Slovakia. Popescu's team struggled defensively and will have to do much better on Friday evening against Kazakhstan. 

Moldova have some problems with missing players. The most important is the absence of Ion Nicolaescu, the player who scored 18 goals for the national team. The striker recovered from a torn ACL, but he has yet to play for Maccabi Tel Aviv this season. Besides him, Moldova will also be without Mihail Caimacov, Virgiliu Portolachi, Nicolae Rotaru, and Vitalie Damascan. On the other hand, Stephan Negru (Swindon), Victor Bogaciuc (Petrocub), and Denis Marandici (Turan Tovuz) returned to the national team, while Alexandru Betivu (Zimbru) received his first call-up. 

Like Moldova, Kazakhstan never had a major football success. They had some years with bigger expectations, but John van 't Schip's team didn't look good in 2026 and will need a serious turnaround to make a noise in the Nations League. After four rounds, Kazakhstan collected only two points and will need two impressive matches to progress to the promotion playoffs. In the previous game, van 't Schip's team played 2-2 at home against the Faroe Islands. That was another match in which Kazakhstan struggled defensively and eventually picked up only one point. 

Kazakhstan's biggest problem in November is the absence of Dastan Satpaev. The 18-year-old forward is probably the biggest talent in Kazakhstan in recent years, but he has a lot of injury problems this season and will miss the next two national team matches. Besides Satpaev, Kazakhstan will also be without Baktiyor Zainutdinov, Artur Shushenachev, and Ramazan Karimov. Also, Sergey Malyy will not play on Friday due to suspension. On the other hand, Islam Chesnokov (Krylya Sovetov), Aybol Abiken (Kyzylzhar), Adilbek Zhumakhanov (Yelimay), Vladislav Vasiliev (without a club), Almas Tyulyubay (Yelimay), and Aybar Zhaksylykov (Yelimay) returned to the national team.