The Malta National Team will hold a short training camp in Rome ahead of their upcoming World Cup qualifying matches against Finland and Poland, with the squad to be received by Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican before travelling to Helsinki. This marks a historic moment, as Malta will become the first national team to be granted an audience with the Pope.
Pope Leo XIV is known to be a keen sporting follower, particularly enthusiastic about AS Roma and also a supporter of the Chicago White Sox baseball team. However, he has not previously met any international football squads, making this engagement a unique and significant honour for Maltese football.
During the Rome training camp, coach Emilio De Leo will work closely with his 25 player squad, which features several fresh faces and returning players. Sven Xerri has been called up to the senior national team for the first time, having previously appeared in a provisional list. Matthias Debono also steps into the final squad after initially being named in extended selections earlier this year. Meanwhile, Trent Buhagiar makes his return to the group following his recent performances abroad, and James Carragher is back after recovering from injury. Basil Tuma is also recalled, adding pace and attacking depth.
The Malta national team has suffered a setback ahead of the European qualifiers against Finland away and Poland at home, with forward Kemar Reid of Birkirkara ruled out after an injury in training. He will not travel with the squad, which departs today.
Coach Emilio De Leo has confirmed that Reid will be replaced by Andrea Zammit of Valletta, marking Zammit’s first call-up to the senior national side.
Malta will face Finland in Helsinki on Friday 14 November 2025 at 6.00 pm local time, before returning to Ta’ Qali for the final group fixture against Poland on Monday 17 November 2025 at 8.45 pm. Ryan Camenzuli and Teddy Teuma will be unavailable for the match in Finland due to suspension but will rejoin the squad for the home game.
The training camp in Rome is intended to maximise preparation time, reinforce team cohesion, and provide focus away from immediate competitive pressure. The meeting at the Vatican is expected to be a symbolic moment of unity and encouragement, reflecting the cultural and national significance of international sport.
