The race for second place heats up: Moldova vs Kazakhstan prediction
The UEFA Nations League fifth-round clash between Moldova and Kazakhstan will take place on November 13, 2026, at CPTF Stadium. The hosts sit third in Group C3 with four points, while the visitors are bottom of the table with two. Both teams have already lost their chance of direct promotion to League B, but the battle for second place and a spot in the play-offs is still on.
Moldova: home advantage offers a chance to get back in the race
Moldova have had a mixed campaign in this edition of the Nations League. Lilian Popescu’s side opened with a 0-2 defeat to Slovakia, then drew 1-1 with the Faroe Islands before beating Kazakhstan 2-1. However, the Tricolours suffered a heavy 0-4 loss to the Slovaks in the last round, once again exposing their defensive problems.
The win over Kazakhstan remains the team’s only success since November 2024. The hosts are level on points with second-placed Faroe Islands. Petru Popescu, who has scored twice in eight appearances for his country, is their main attacking hope, while Nikita Motspan is expected to play a key role in midfield.
Kazakhstan: prolonged winless run compounds their problems
Kazakhstan have yet to record a win in this edition of the tournament. John van ’t Schip’s side drew twice with the Faroe Islands (1-1 and 2-2), but lost to Slovakia (1-2) and Moldova (1-2). After four rounds, the Hawks have just two points and are at risk of finishing bottom of the group.
The visitors’ winless run has stretched to six matches, underlining their inconsistent form. They will also be without suspended Sergey Maliy, who was sent off in the previous match. In attack, the coaching staff will look to Ramazan Karimov and Galymzhan Kenzhebek, while Georgiy Zhukov is expected to provide balance in midfield.
Match facts and head-to-head
- Moldova have collected four points from four Nations League matches, with their only win coming against Kazakhstan
- Kazakhstan are winless in their last six matches in all competitions
- Moldova won the previous meeting away from home, beating Kazakhstan 2-1
The sides could cancel each other out: Moldova vs Kazakhstan prediction
Moldova have home advantage and have already beaten Kazakhstan in this edition of the tournament. However, the hosts’ shaky defence and just one win over an extended period make it difficult to consider them clear favourites.
Kazakhstan are also struggling for results, but remain in contention for second place. Given both teams’ motivation and their lack of consistency, a closely fought draw looks the most likely outcome.
