Prediction Romania vs San Marino 2026 – Betting Tips for the WC Qualification Europe on 18/11/2025

Match preview: Romania ready to close the job at Ilie Oană

Romania return to Stadionul Ilie Oană in Ploieşti on 18/11/2025 with a clear target: three points. After a mixed run in qualifying that leaves them third in the group with 10 points from seven games, the hosts still carry enough attacking threat to make life miserable for a San Marino side that has yet to record a point. Romania’s recent results show inconsistency — a heavy 3-1 reversal away to Bosnia and Herzegovina came as a setback after wins over Austria and Moldova earlier in October — but the quality gap between these two nations is stark and reinforced by the shock H2H from March, when Romania dismantled San Marino 5-1.

Stadionul Ilie Oană’s 15,500 capacity will add pressure on the visitors. Romania’s home form has produced some goals (three scored at home in available stats but nine away), while San Marino’s defensive slippage is glaring: 32 goals conceded in seven matches, and no wins. Those raw numbers tell a story of a hosts-on-the-front-foot contest where Romania should control possession and the tempo.

Form and stats that matter

Romania’s overall attacking metrics — 89 total shots with 30 on target across the campaign and an aggressive attacks average — hint that they will create multiple chances. Their recent best performer in the last match, Valentin Mihăilă, was singled out with a 7.63 rating, a reminder Romania have individuals who can unlock compact defences.

San Marino arrive beat up: a sequence of heavy defeats, including a 10-0 loss to Austria and regular blowouts, plus only one goal scored in the entire group stage. Their shots average sits under five per game, and they’ve recorded zero clean sheets. Expect them to sit deep, invite pressure and rarely threaten the Romanian goal.

Prediction and betting tip

Given the mismatch in form, defensive fragility of San Marino and Romania’s capacity to dominate territory and chances, the safest and most value-driven market is the 1X2. Romania should win comfortably at home; the head-to-head thrashing earlier this year and the visitors’ run of losses make the outcome predictable.

For readers interested in sharpening market choices and broader match strategy, consult tactical advice like Soccer betting tips and the choice of markets and, if you’re targeting goal lines, timing matters — read The right time to place bets on goal markets to refine entries.

Betting suggestion: Romania to win (1) in the 1X2 market — confident pick based on form, goal differential and a dominant head-to-head. Keep stakes sensible: San Marino’s capacity to concede big means Romania should cover the outcome, but qualifiers can throw surprises, so manage your bankroll accordingly.