Slovakia vs Moldova: Prešov Hosts Group C3 Opener

SlovakiaSVK

Ivan Schranz 32'
Ondrej Duda 40' (pen)

UEFA Nations League

2–0

Full Time

HT 2–0

Štadión Tatran

Prešov

MoldovaMDA

AI ForecastsGraded

Match of the day · free full analysis

Slovakia kick off their League C campaign at home against Moldova, bringing a stronger pedigree from their prior Nations League outings. Moldova have shown fight in recent qualifying matches, but they face a significant step up in class on the road against a side that controlled possession and created chances consistently in the last edition. The absence of head-to-head history leaves the spotlight on Slovakia's ability to break down a deep, organised block — something they must do early to avoid a nervy evening. The home crowd in Prešov should give them the edge, but the first goal will be crucial: an early breakthrough and the contest could become comfortable, whereas a goalless first hour would test their patience.

Match ResultHome Win78%

Slovakia's superior pedigree in this competition and home advantage make them clear favourites; Moldova's limited body of work at this level offers little to suggest an upset.

Win or DrawHome or Draw93%

A Slovakia defeat would be a major surprise; their standing and control point firmly toward at least a point from the fixture.

Total Goals3 or more goals58%

The competition baseline leans toward three or more goals, and with Slovakia expected to dominate the ball and create the bulk of the chances, a total beyond two goals is the likelier outcome.

High-confidence forecasts have landed 74% of the time this season, over 2,080 graded calls. Track record →

Slovakia vs Moldova: Prešov Hosts Group C3 Opener

Published Sat 26 Sept

Slovakia host Moldova in UEFA Nations League C Matchweek 1 on Saturday, 26 September 2026, at Futbal Tatran Arena in Prešov, where both sides begin their Group C3 campaign.

Moldova travel with reshuffled defensive ranks

Moldova manager Ilian Popescu selected a defensive group featuring Vladyslav Baboglo, Iurie Iovu, Mihail Stefan, Catalin Cucos, and Daniel Dumbravanu for the opening international fixtures. Stephan Negru was omitted from the squad for this round of matches, leaving the five selected centre-backs to manage the central defensive duties in Prešov. Mihail Gherasimencov was also included in the traveling squad for Moldova ahead of the September schedule.

Group C3 schedule pairs Slovakia against familiar rivals

Group 3 of League C places Slovakia and Moldova alongside Kazakhstan and the Faroe Islands. Both teams face quick turnarounds after the match at Futbal Tatran Arena. Slovakia remain at home to play Kazakhstan on 29 September before travelling to the Faroe Islands on 2 October. Moldova return home to play the Faroe Islands on 29 September before visiting Kazakhstan on 2 October. Goalkeeper Martin Dubravka is included in the Slovak selections for these fixtures, providing experienced cover in goal as the campaign gets under way.

Our model firmly expects a Slovakia win

Our forecasting model firmly expects a Slovakia win in this opening Group C3 fixture. Slovakia enter the match with home ground advantage at Futbal Tatran Arena, where they begin their campaign before two further group games within six days. Moldova face an opening test away from home while integrating an altered defensive group without Stephan Negru, facing a Slovak side anchored by experienced options including Martin Dubravka.

#	Team	P	GD	Pts
1	Slovakia	4	7	10
2	Faroe Islands	4	0	4
3	Moldova	4	-5	4
4

#	Team	P	GD	Pts
1	Slovakia	4	7	10
2	Faroe Islands	4	0	4
3	Moldova	4	-5	4
4

Live ForecastBeta

Match Stats

Shot Map

Momentum

Match Events

Player Ratings

Lineups

Head to Head