De Leo names final Malta Squad for November World Cup Qualifiers

Malta national team coach Emilio De Leo has announced his final 26-man squad for the upcoming European Qualifiers (Group G) for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, featuring fixtures against Finland and Poland.

The team will depart for Helsinki on Friday, 14 November 2025, where they will face Finland at the Helsinki Olympic Stadium, with kick-off scheduled for 6:00 pm local time.
Three days later, on Monday, 17 November 2025, Malta will return home to the Ta’ Qali National Stadium to take on Poland at 8:45 pm, marking the final match of the qualifying campaign.

Notable Inclusions and Returns

The final list features several new and returning names.
Young defender Sven Xerri earns his first full international call-up under De Leo, having previously been part of the provisional squad in March.

Trent Buhagiar, currently playing in Singapore, makes his return after last featuring in March, while goalkeeper Matthias Debono—included in the provisional squad in May—has been rewarded with a place in the final squad.

Defender James Carragher also makes his comeback following recovery from injury, having missed both the September and October international windows.

Meanwhile, Ryan Camenzuli and Teddy Teuma will serve a one-match suspension for the fixture against Finland but will be eligible to feature in the home encounter against Poland. Basil Tuma also returns after missing the previous international window, bolstering a squad that blends experience with youthful energy.

Group G Standings

Ahead of the November fixtures, the Netherlands lead Group G with 16 points from six matches, followed by Poland on 13 points.
Finland sit third with 10 points, Lithuania fourth on 3 points (both from seven games), while Malta remain fifth with 2 points from six outings.

Final Malta Squad

Goalkeepers
Henry Bonello (Ħamrun Spartans FC), Rashed Al Tumi (Sliema Wanderers FC), Matthias Debono (Naxxar Lions FC)

Defenders
Zach Muscat (Chaves FC – POR), Juan Carlos Corbalan (Marsaxlokk FC), Kurt Shaw (Sorrento FC – ITA), Enrico Pepe (Marsaxlokk FC), Jean Borg (Sliema Wanderers FC), James Carragher (Wigan Athletic FC – ENG), Gabriel Mentz (Gżira United FC), Sven Xerri (Ħamrun Spartans FC), Ryan Camenzuli (Ħamrun Spartans FC)*, Myles Beerman (Sliema Wanderers FC)

Midfielders
Matthew Guillaumier (Panserraikos FC – GRE), Brandon Diego Paiber (Valletta FC), Alexander Satariano (Athens Kallithea FC – GRE), Yannick Yankam (Valletta FC), Teddy Teuma (Reims FC – FRA)*, Jake Grech (Floriana FC)

Forwards
Joseph E. Mbong (Ħamrun Spartans FC), Paul Mbong (FK Čukarički – SRB), Ilyas Chouaref (Sion FC – SUI), Adam Magri Overend (Sliema Wanderers FC), Irvin Cardona (AS Saint-Étienne – FRA), Trent Buhagiar (Tampines Rovers – SGP), Kemar Reid (Birkirkara FC), Basil Tuma (Reading FC – ENG)

*Suspended for the match against Finland

Malta will aim to finish their World Cup qualifying campaign on a strong note as De Leo’s side looks to build momentum and continue developing a competitive core for the future.

Gerald Fenech

Sports Editor
Veteran Journalist