Superior Switzerland defeat plucky Malta Women’s National Team

Malta’s Women’s National Team suffered their second defeat in Group B2 of the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup European Qualifiers after losing 4–1 to Switzerland at the Centenary Stadium.

In their first home match of the year, Malta looked to recover from the midweek loss away to Türkiye. However, Switzerland – who impressed in last year’s European Championship as co-hosts – started strongly and quickly took control of the game.

The visitors opened the scoring after seven minutes when Iman Beney fired a low shot into the bottom corner. Switzerland doubled their lead just two minutes later as Alisha Lehmann finished confidently from a one-on-one situation.

Malta responded well and reduced the deficit on 19 minutes through a superb effort by Maria Farrugia, who curled the ball past goalkeeper Livia Peng from a tight angle. Switzerland continued to push forward and restored their two-goal advantage on 38 minutes when Svenja Folmli finished from close range following a well-timed through pass.

Switzerland maintained their attacking pressure after the break, with Malta goalkeeper Giulia D’Antuono producing several important saves to keep the scoreline respectable. The visitors eventually added a fourth goal in the 73rd minute when Aurelie Csillag completed a fine solo run with a composed finish.

Despite the defeat, Malta showed determination and created several opportunities against one of Europe’s stronger sides.

2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup European Qualifiers – Group B2

Centenary Stadium – 7 March 2026

Malta 1–4 Switzerland
Half-time: 1–3

Scorers: 7’ Iman Beney (SUI), 9’ Alisha Lehmann (SUI), 19’ Maria Farrugia (MLT), 38’ Svenja Folmli (SUI), 73’ Aurelie Csillag (SUI)

Malta: Giulia D’Antuono, Emma Sophia Flannery (Shona Zammit 58’), Emma Lipman, Stefania Farrugia, Lexine Farrugia, Maria Farrugia, Jade Flask, Maya Lucia (Yulya Carella 70’), Brenda Borg, Haley Bugeja, Leah Ayres (Kailey Willis 78’).
Coach: Manuela Tesse

Switzerland: Livia Peng, Noelle Maritz, Geraldine Reuteler, Nadine Riesen, Sydney Schertenleib (Seraina Piubel 75’), Lia Wälti, Leila Wandeler (Ana-Maria Crnogorcevic 62’), Svenja Folmli (Aurelie Csillag 46’), Viola Calligaris, Iman Beney (Lila Egli 84’), Alisha Lehmann (Riola Xhemaili 62’).
Coach: Rafael Navarro

Referee: Jelena Medjedovic (Serbia)