Two teams on contrasting paths meet at Ullevaal Stadion on Tuesday, 9 September, as hosts and in-form Norway host a struggling Moldova side, aiming to secure direct automatic qualification for the 2026 World Cup with a decisive victory.
Keep close tabs on World Cup qualifying predictions after viewing our key Norway vs Moldova tips below.
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Norway vs Moldova prediction: Hosts to beat the visitors comfortably
Key stats
- Norway have won each of their last seven matches across all competitions.
- The Drillos have kept five clean sheets across their last six matches.
- Moldova are on a four-match losing streak in World Cup qualification.
- The Tricolorii have scored five goals in their previous 10 away fixtures.
Correct score prediction: Norway 2-0 Moldova
Since a 5-1 defeat to Austria in October 2024, Norway have undergone a remarkable turnaround under Stale Solbakken, going unbeaten in their last seven matches – most recently beating Finland 1-0 in a friendly. Now sitting atop their qualification group with a perfect record – 13 goals scored and just two conceded in four matches – they are within touching distance of their first World Cup appearance since 1998.
For Moldova, however, the campaign has been one of struggle. The Tricolorii have lost all four qualifiers so far, sitting bottom of the group with a -12 goal difference. They have lost each of their last nine away World Cup qualifier games since March 2017, and morale is at a low ebb following a fifth consecutive defeat.
With such a stark contrast in form and quality, Norway are expected to secure a comfortable and commanding victory on home soil.
Pre-game odds and win probability: As polar as it gets
- HOME: 1/16 (1.06) – 94%
- DRAW: 14/1 (15.00) – 6.6%
- AWAY: 33/1 (34.00) – 2.9%
*odds from Ladbrokes, subject to change
Norway have kept five clean sheets across their last six matches, and conceded just twice across their last five World Cup home qualifiers. It goes without saying why they are favourites at 1/16 (1.06) odds, which implies a 94% chance of success.
Meanwhile, Moldova have scored just three times in their last seven competitive away fixtures. Serghei Clescenco’s side are priced at 33/1 (34.00) – a 2.9% win probability rate.
Don’t forget to check out more of our football betting tips after going through our Norway vs Moldova predictions.
Most recent H2Hs: Seventh meeting
This will be Norway and Moldova’s seventh meeting, with the hosts unbeaten across all six previous H2Hs. Most recently, Moldova were beaten 5-0 in the reverse fixture in March 2025.
Norway preview: Automatic qualification in sight
Norway come into this clash without any real injury or suspension problems.
Predicted lineup: Selvik (GK), Ryerson, Ostigaard, Ajer, Wolfe, Odegaard, Berge, Thorsby, Nusa, Haaland & Sorloth
Last five matches
- Norway 1-0 Finland (International Friendly)
- Estonia 0-1 Norway (World Cup 2026 Qualifier)
- Norway 3-0 Italy (World Cup 2026 Qualifier)
- Israel 2-4 Norway (World Cup 2026 Qualifier)
- Moldova 0-5 Norway (World Cup 2026 Qualifier)
Moldova preview: Against the odds
The visitors have a clean bill of health as they make the long trip north to Norway.
Predicted lineup: Avram (GK), Platica, Craciun, Baboglo, Dumbravanu, Reabciu, Caimacov, Rata, Ionita, Bodisteanu & Postolachi
Last five matches
- Moldova 0-4 Israel (World Cup 2026 Qualifier)
- Italy 2-0 Moldova (World Cup 2026 Qualifier)
- Poland 2-0 Moldova (International Friendly)
- Moldova 2-3 Estonia (World Cup 2026 Qualifier)
- Moldova 0-5 Norway (World Cup 2026 Qualifier)
Player to watch: Erling Haaland
A penalty is all Haaland and Norway could rely upon to get past Finland in a friendly last week. However, the Manchester City marksman remains a natural threat for Moldova to be wary of, with four goals in as many qualifiers so far, including one in the reverse 5-0 victory in Chisinau. He is one goal behind Croatia’s Andrej Kramaric in the top scorer’s list.