Malta vs Finland Preview & Prediction | 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifying (UEFA)

by Alex Lawes · March 19 2025, 13:10

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Malta have been improving as a result of the UEFA Nations League in recent years but remain one of the weaker sides in European international football as they now take on Finland.

Kick-off date/time: Friday 21st March, 2025: UK – 7:45pm / US ET – 3:45pm / US PT – 12:45pm

How to watch on TV: UK – TBC / US – Not televised

How to watch online: UK – TBC / US – Fox Soccer Plus

Key Stats

This is the first time Malta and Finland have met in World Cup qualifying.
Finland have won the last five international matches between these teams. Malta’s only victory in their previous eight encounters was a 2-0 home win in February 1988 (friendly tournament).
Malta have won only one of their last 24 World Cup qualifying matches (D3 L20).
Malta are unbeaten in their last four international matches (W3 D1).
Malta have not conceded a goal in their last four international matches.
Finland have won their last two World Cup qualifying matches away from home.
Finland have lost seven and drawn one of their last eight international matches.

Malta vs Finland Prediction

As mentioned, Malta have been one of many sides from the lower ranks of European football to have majorly improved as they work on genuinely cohesive patterns of play. They now face a Finland side under new management following the departure of Markku Kanerva.

Malta, in the autumn, did finish second in Group 2 of League D of the 2024/25 UEFA Nations League, sitting two points behind a revitalised Moldova side. They were held to a frustrating goalless draw by Andorra at Ta’ Qali National Stadium in November, albeit they had gone down to ten men in the 17th minute of that match.

Finland endured a miserable 2024/25 UEFA Nations League campaign with six defeats from six against the likes of England, Greece and Ireland with Kanerva replaced by Jacob Friis. The Finnish will look to try and rebuild but they are limited in terms of players coming through with 34-year-old Teemu Pukki still relied upon up-front.

Finland will still have to be viewed as favourites, despite Malta’s general improvement and their home advantage, albeit a low-scoring and fairly close contest is to be expected for this one.

Malta vs Finland Tip: Finland to win & under 3.5 goals