After gaining its independence from the Soviet Union in 1991, Moldova became a member of FIFA in 1994. Football is the most popular sport in Moldova. 30% of Moldovians consider themselves football fan. The other post-Soviet states with an equal or higher percentage are Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Estonia, Georgia, Kyrgyzstan, Latvia, Lithuania, Russia, Ukraine and Uzbekistan.
National team
The national team has limited international success and have never qualified for a European Championship or World Cup.
In UEFA Euro 2004 qualifiers, Moldova beat Austria 1–0 and Belarus 2–1, but lost to the Netherlands 2–1.
In the 2006 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, their best results were winning against Belarus 2–0, and two home draws against Scotland and Norway. They also drew 2–2 against Bosnia and Herzegovina at home, and beat them 1–0 in the away game during the UEFA Euro 2008 qualifiers. In the same qualifications, they beat Hungary 3–0 and also drew 1–1 against Turkey.
Domestic football
Sheriff Tiraspol is the most successful Moldovan football team and has won the most championships.
League system
LevelLeague(s)/Division(s)1Liga 8 clubs ↓↑ 1–2 clubs2Liga 1 12 clubs ↓↑ 2 clubs3Liga 2 20 clubs divided in 2 series of 10 clubs each
Most successful clubs overall
local and lower league organizations are not included. ClubDomestic TitlesMoldovan LigaMoldovan CupMoldovan Super CupCIS CupTotalSheriff Tiraspol21147244Zimbru Chișinău861-15Milsami Orhei222-6Petrocub Hîncești22--4Tiraspol13--4Tiligul-Tiras Tiraspol -3--3Dacia Chișinău1-1-2Sfîntul Gheorghe -11-2Bălți -1--1Bugeac Comrat -1--1Iskra-Stal -1--1Nistru Otaci -1--1
The articles in italic indicate the defunct leagues and the defunct cups. The figures in bold indicate the most times this competition has been won by a team.
Attendances
The average attendance per top-flight football league season and the club with the highest average attendance:
Season League average Best club Best club average 2024-25 1,018 Sheriff 3,120
Source:
References
External links of the Moldovan Football Federation Football teams in Moldova