The Malta Football Association (FA) held a press conference on Tuesday, 18th February 2025 at Centenary Hall to discuss their objectives for the upcoming International FIFA Windows.
The FA President, Bjorn Vassallo, emphasized the goals for both the Men’s ‘A’ Team and the Women’s ‘A’ Team. The Men’s team aims to improve their performance in the European Qualifiers, leading to better results and a higher FIFA World Ranking. On the other hand, the Women’s team is determined to earn promotion back to League B of the UEFA Women’s Nations League, after their previous success under Head Coach Manuela Tesse.
President Vassallo also mentioned the importance of creating a strong pathway for youth players to progress to the senior teams. He stressed the need for players to compete in stronger leagues and develop their skills, especially at a young age. President Vassallo also revealed that James Carragher and Ilyas Chouaref, who play for Wigan Athletic FC (ENG) and FC Sion (SUI) respectively, are now eligible to play for the Men’s ‘A’ Team due to their lineage.
He expressed confidence in the national teams and their coaches, De Leo and Tesse, who have a wealth of experience and a positive mentality. President Vassallo stated that 2025 marks the FA’s 125th anniversary and the national teams are determined to make it a memorable year.
Head Coach De Leo acknowledged the challenges ahead for the Men’s team in the long qualifying cycle for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, but expressed determination and motivation. He also mentioned having private conversations with 37 players to build a strong relationship, as well as online calls with foreign-based players. Head Coach De Leo stressed the importance of confidence, commitment, and an enterprising approach for the team to achieve their goals. The Men’s ‘A’ Team will face Finland at home on 21st March and Poland away on 24th March in their first European Qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. However, Gabriel Mentz will not be eligible to play in these matches due to a three-match ban from UEFA.
Head Coach Tesse, for the Women’s ‘A’ Team, stated that they have learned from their previous campaign in the UEFA Women’s Nations League and are more confident. She emphasized the strength of the team and their philosophy, stating that they should not underestimate themselves. The Women’s ‘A’ Team will start their UEFA Women’s Nations League campaign with an away match against Cyprus on 21st February and then face Andorra at home on 25th February. Tickets for the Andorra match are available for purchase, and both matches will be broadcasted live on TVM Sport+. The Women’s ‘A’ Team has been boosted by the inclusion of three players currently playing abroad, Jana Barbara (FC Schalke 04), Fiona Buttigieg (Luton Town), and Ocean Grange (RC Roubaix Wervicq Féminin), as seen in the provisional call-up for the current international window. Head Coach Tesse has been closely monitoring these players for over a year and a half and is proud of the improvement in the local women’s league, which can benefit the National Team. She also mentioned upcoming tournaments and fixtures for the Women’s National Teams, which will provide opportunities to play against strong teams and continue to improve their level.
