At the National Arena in Bucharest on 18 November 2025, Romania close their qualifying campaign with what should be a routine assignment against San Marino. While Romania’s hopes of finishing in the top two ended with their 1–3 defeat in Bosnia, this fixture offers a chance to restore confidence before the playoffs.
Romania Looking to Finish Strong Before Playoffs
Romania’s qualifying run has been marked by flashes of quality but too little consistency. Their recent form has included disciplined performances - such as the 1–0 home victory over group leaders Austria - but also costly lapses like the defeat in Bosnia, which ultimately pushed them out of the top two. Thanks to a solid Nations League campaign, they will still have a playoff opportunity, and this match serves as preparation. Playing at home against the weakest side in the group, Romania are expected to control the tempo completely and create numerous scoring chances.
San Marino Set for Another Defeat
San Marino arrive on a ten-match losing streak and have lost all their qualifiers in this group. Their only goal came in the 1–5 home defeat to Romania - a rare moment of celebration in an otherwise predictable campaign. As usual, they struggle to maintain possession, withstand pressure, or generate attacking sequences. Matches away from home have been particularly one-sided, with San Marino often pinned deep for the full 90 minutes. The main question is not whether they lose, but how heavily.
Prediction: BTTS – No
Romania will dominate the match, and San Marino’s extremely limited attacking threat makes it unlikely that the visitors will find the net. The selection is Both Teams to Score – No, with Romania expected to take a clean and straightforward victory.
