Malta coach Emilio De Leo has named the final squad for the upcoming European Qualifiers (Group G) for the 2026 World Cup against Finland and Poland. The team will travel to Helsinki on Friday, 14 November 2025 to face Finland at the Helsinki Olympic Stadium at 6:00 pm local time. Three days later, on Monday, 17 November 2025, Malta will return to Ta’ Qali National Stadium to host Poland, with kick-off scheduled for 8:45 pm. This fixture will mark the last game of the group.
There are several notable inclusions in the squad. Young defender Sven Xerri, who was previously named in the provisional squad in March, has now secured his first full international call-up under De Leo. Trent Buhagiar, currently playing in Singapore, has once again been included, having last featured in the squad in March. Goalkeeper Matthias Debono was called up for the provisional squad in May 2025, and has now been named in the final squad.
Defender James Carragher returns after recovering from injury, having missed the September and October international windows.
Meanwhile, Ryan Camenzuli and Teddy Teuma will serve a one-match suspension in the Finland qualifier but will be available for the home clash against Poland on 17 November. Basil Tuma is also back in the squad after missing the previous window, completing a selection that balances experience with youth.
In the current Group G standings, the Netherlands lead the table with 16 points from six matches, followed by Poland on 13 points from the same number of games. Finland are third with 10 points and Lithuania fourth with three points both from seven matches, while Malta have two points from six games.
The final squad is as follows:
MALTA SQUAD
Goalkeepers
Henry Bonello (Ħamrun Spartans FC), Rashed Al Tumi (Sliema Wanderers FC), Matthias Debono (Naxxar Lions FC).
Defenders
Zach Muscat (Chaves FC – POR), Juan Carlos Corbalan (Marsaxlokk FC), Kurt Shaw (Sorrento FC – ITA), Enrico Pepe (Marsaxlokk FC), Jean Borg (Sliema Wanderers FC), James Carragher (Wigan Athletic FC – ENG), Gabriel Mentz (Gżira United FC), Sven Xerri (Ħamrun Spartans FC), Ryan Camenzuli (Ħamrun Spartans FC)*, Myles Beerman (Sliema Wanderers FC).
Midfielders
Matthew Guillaumier (Panserraikos FC – GRE), Brandon Diego Paiber (Valletta FC), Alexander Satariano (Athens Kallithea FC – GRE), Yannick Yankam (Valletta FC), Teddy Teuma (Reims FC – FRA)*, Jake Grech (Floriana FC).
Forwards
Joseph E. Mbong (Ħamrun Spartans FC), Paul Mbong (FK Čukarički – SRB), Ilyas Chouaref (Sion FC – SUI), Adam Magri Overend (Sliema Wanderers FC), Irvin Cardona (AS Saint-Étienne – FRA), Trent Buhagiar (Tampines Rovers – SGP), Kemar Reid (Birkirkara FC), Basil Tuma (Reading FC – ENG).
*suspended for the match against Finland
