Romania’s upcoming match against San Marino is set for November 18, 2025, at the Ilie Oană Stadium in Ploiești. The game, part of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, kicks off at 21:45 local time. This encounter is noted as Romania’s last fixture in the current qualification cycle.
Captain Dennis Man Leads Romania Against San Marino
For this crucial match, renowned coach Mircea Lucescu, who is 80 years old, has selected Dennis Man, 27, as both the starting player and captain. His leadership will be pivotal as Romania looks to close out their qualifiers on a high note.
Match Referee and Officials
UEFA has appointed Mohammad Al-Emara, a 33-year-old referee from Finland, to officiate the match. Al-Emara, who was born in Saudi Arabia, is a FIFA-certified referee undergoing his debut in World Cup qualifiers. He will be supported by assistants Turkka Valjakka and Mika Lamppu, with Peiman Simani as the fourth official. The VAR will be managed by Italian referees Michael Fabbri and Federico La Penna.
Background on Recent Matches and Decisions
In the buildup to this match, coach Mircea Lucescu has voiced concerns over officiating in recent games. He cited missed penalty opportunities during matches against Bosnia, emphasizing inconsistencies in referee decision-making. Although this match against San Marino holds no impact on the final standings, Lucescu remains focused on performance and integrity on the field.
Conclusion
As Romania prepares to face San Marino, the emphasis is on achieving a solid performance. With Dennis Man at the helm as captain, the team aims to finish the 2026 World Cup qualifiers positively. Fans can watch the match live on Digi Sport 1 and through the Digi Sport app.
