World Cup Qualification 2026: Norway-Moldavia, the likely lineups

There will inevitably be the eyes of Italian fans among those focused on the match between Norway and Moldova, a match in Group I of the 2026 World Cup qualifier for the UEFA zone (the same group as the Azzurri) hosted by the Ullevaal Stadion in Oslo at 8:45 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 9. The Norwegians are looking for their fifth win in as many matches, while the Moldovans want to get unstuck after four defeats in four matches.

Absent from the World Cup finals since as far back as 1998, Norway is counting on Erling Haaland’s concreteness in goal as well as the talents of Alexander Sorloth and Martin Odegaars to fend off a comeback attempt by Italy, which reopened qualification talks with Friday’s wins over Estonia and Monday’s victory over Israel.

On the other side, Moldova is looking for its first success in almost a year: the last victory dates back to Nov. 16, 2024, when the Serghei Clescenco-coached lineup defeated Andorra 1-0 on the road, with Virgiuli Postolachi scoring the decisive goal. The 25-year-old striker from Universitatea Cluj will in all likelihood be among the starting eleven again on Tuesday night.

Probable lineups

NORWAY (4-4-2): Nyland; Ryerson, Ajer, Ostigard, Wolfe; Bobb, Odegaard, Berge, Schjelderup; Haaland, Sorloth. C.t. Solbakken.

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MOLDAVIA (3-4-3): Avram; Baboglo, Craciun, Dumbravanu; Platica, Ionita, Rata, Reabciuk; Caimacov, Postolachi, Bodisteanu. C.t. Clescenco.