Malta vs Poland: World Cup Qualifying Preview

Malta vs Poland: A World Cup Qualifying Showdown

Football fans worldwide turn their attention to Ta' Qali National Stadium on Monday evening as Malta hosts Poland in a crucial UEFA Group G qualifier for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. While Poland's qualification journey hangs in the balance, Malta enters the match as underdogs seeking to build on a historic win against Finland.

Stakes for Both Sides

Poland arrives in Malta needing a miracle to overhaul Group G leaders Netherlands. Currently three points behind with an inferior goal difference (+6 vs +19), Jan Urban's Eagles would require a monumental 13-goal swing to top the group. "A victory here would at least secure second place," explains analyst Ben Knapton, "but their playoff spot is already guaranteed."

For Malta, despite elimination from contention, Emilio De Leo's side carries momentum after a stunning 1-0 victory over Finland in Helsinki. This historic win ended their four-year World Cup qualifying drought and marked only their second success in 14 matches. "We showed we can compete," defender Jean Borg noted, "now we test ourselves against Europe's elite."

Team News and Tactical Battles

Poland welcomes back midfielders Bartosz Slisz and Przemyslaw Wisniewski from suspension, with Slisz set to replace injured Sebastian Szymanski. Captain Robert Lewandowski continues his record-setting 163rd appearance for Poland. The Eagles are expected to line up in a 3-4-2-1 formation with Lewandowski leading the attack.

Malta counters with the return of defender Ryan Camenzuli and playmaker Teddy Teuma from bans. Teuma's creativity will be vital supporting Irvin Cardona up front. After Enrico Pepe's injury against Finland, James Carragher could feature, though Borg is favored to start.

Head-to-Head and Historical Context

Poland dominates the fixture with five consecutive wins, scoring 15 goals without conceding. However, Malta's defensive resilience against Finland suggests they won't roll over easily. "Their organization surprised Finland," admits Knapton, "but Poland's firepower presents a different challenge altogether."

Key Players to Watch

Robert Lewandowski: Poland's all-time leading scorer remains their primary weapon. The Barcelona striker will be eager to add to his tally as Poland seeks a comfortable victory.

Teddy Teuma: Malta's joint-top scorer (4 goals) returns from suspension to orchestrate attacks. His creativity will be crucial against Poland's backline.

How to Watch

US viewers can catch all the action live on FOX Soccer Plus, with streaming available on FOXSports.com and the FOX Sports App. Coverage begins at 2:45 PM ET on Monday, November 17, 2025.

"Malta's defensive diligence took Finland by surprise, but Poland's attack presents a different challenge altogether." - Ben Knapton, Sports Mole

Prediction

Despite Malta's recent improvement, Poland's superior quality should prevail. Expect Urban's men to secure a professional victory, with a 0-2 scoreline the most likely outcome. While the result won't alter Poland's playoff destiny, it will provide momentum as they prepare for North America.