Malta’s only shot on target beats Finland in World Cup qualifying

AP
Malta’s goalkeeper Henry Bonello (L) tries to stop Finland’s forward Joel Pohjanpalo (R) during their 1st round — day 9 — Group G World Cup 2026 European Qualifiers match on Nov. 14, 2025 in Helsinki. (AFP)
Short Url

https://arab.news/5zzcc

  • According to the Malta Football Association, this was only the fourth win ever by Malta in World Cup qualifying

HELSINKI: Malta snatched their first win in 2026 World Cup qualifying on Friday, converting their only shot on target to stun Finland 1-0 in Helsinki.
According to the Malta Football Association, this was only the fourth win ever by Malta in World Cup qualifying.
Midfielder Jake Grech came off the bench in the 79th minute and scored the decisive goal three minutes later from the edge of the area. It was only Malta’s second goal in seven qualifiers, against 16 conceded.
Finland enjoyed most of the possession and had 14 attempts, even hitting the woodwork.
Malta rose to fourth in Europe Group G, five points behind Finland, which can’t qualify. The Netherlands could later secure a place in the 2026 finals from the same group with a win over Poland.
Meanwhile, in Group A, Germany will be guaranteed of a top-two finish if it beats Luxembourg and Northern Ireland fails to defeat Slovakia, or if Germany draws and Northern Ireland loses.

Topics: Malta Finland 2026 World Cup