The FIFA World Cup Qualifying – UEFA Group G campaign approaches its conclusion with a critical Matchday 9 fixture as Finland hosts Malta at the Helsinki Olympic Stadium. For the Huuhkajat (Eagle-Owls), this match represents their final mathematical chance to keep their slim hopes of securing a play-off spot alive.
Currently sitting in third place, Finland needs a decisive victory and favorable results in the remaining fixtures between the Netherlands and Poland to achieve a surprise second-place finish. Malta, the visitors, have endured a difficult campaign and are currently at the bottom of the group. While eliminated, they will aim to put forth a resilient performance and potentially claim a historic competitive result against a higher-ranked European side, drawing inspiration from their close 1-0 defeat to Finland in the reverse fixture. This Nordic-Mediterranean clash is a must-win game for the hosts.
Match Details
This midweek match is one of the final fixtures in the Group G schedule of the UEFA World Cup qualification tournament.
| Detail | Information |
| Competition | FIFA World Cup Qualifying – UEFA |
| Phase | Group G – Matchday 9 |
| Date | Friday, November 14, 2025 |
| Kick-off | 6:00 PM EET (4:00 PM UTC) |
| Venue | Helsinki Olympic Stadium, Helsinki, Finland |
Team Form and Analysis for Finland
World Cup Qualifying Performance and Play-Off Calculation
Finland are currently in 3rd position in Group G with 10 points from seven matches, a record of three wins, one draw, and three losses.
Under manager Jacob Friis, the Eagle-Owls have experienced a rollercoaster campaign. Their form includes crucial home victories such as a 2-1 win against Poland and a 2-1 win against Lithuania, keeping them in the race. However, they have suffered significant defeats, including a 4-0 loss away to the Netherlands and a 3-1 loss away to Poland. Their overall goal difference of -5 (8 goals scored, 13 conceded) is a major hurdle in their play-off bid. Finland’s path to second place is highly complicated, requiring them to win this match and for Poland to lose both of their remaining games (against Netherlands and Malta). The emotional return of veteran striker Teemu Pukki for his final international match will provide a significant psychological boost to the team and the home crowd at the Helsinki Olympic Stadium.
Key Player: Lukas Hradecky
Goalkeeper and captain Lukas Hradecky is the stalwart and undisputed leader of the Finland team. The experienced shot-stopper is set to earn his 102nd cap and his presence is vital for organizing the defence, which has conceded a high number of goals in the campaign. Hradecky’s ability to pull off match-winning saves will be crucial, particularly in a match where Finland will be pushing forward, potentially leaving space for Malta’s counter-attacks. His commanding presence and experience will be key to securing a much-needed clean sheet.
Team Form and Analysis for Malta
World Cup Qualifying Campaign and Search for a Win
Malta are currently at the bottom of Group G with 2 points from six matches. Their qualification record stands at zero wins, two draws, and four losses.
Under manager Emilio De Leo, the Maltese side has found this a challenging group, but they have shown periods of defensive grit. Their sole points came from two impressive home draws: a 0-0 draw against Lithuania and a 1-1 draw against Lithuania in the reverse fixture. Their losses have included heavy defeats, notably an 8-0 loss away to the Netherlands, a 4-0 home defeat to the Netherlands, and a narrow 1-0 home defeat to Finland earlier in the campaign. The Reds have scored only one goal while conceding 16. Despite being eliminated, Malta’s focus is on putting in a resilient, disciplined performance. However, they will be significantly hampered by the suspensions of Ryan Camenzuli and Teddy Teuma, two key players who often provide stability in midfield and attack.
Key Player: Joseph Mbong
Winger Joseph Mbong is one of the most experienced and dynamic attacking players in the Malta squad. Despite his midfield role, he has contributed to the team’s limited offensive play throughout the years. Mbong is expected to retain his spot in the final third, and his tireless work rate and ability to carry the ball forward will be essential for Malta’s counter-attacking strategy. Against an eager-to-attack Finnish side, Mbong’s pace and willingness to run at defenders will be Malta’s best chance to create rare scoring opportunities and relieve pressure on their defence.
Head-to-Head Record between the Teams
The historical head-to-head record heavily favours Finland, with Malta having secured only one victory against the Nordic side dating back to 1988.
| Metric | Finland Wins | Draws | Malta Wins |
| Total Competitive Meetings | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Recent WCQ Result (Mar 2025) | Malta 0-1 Finland (A) | ||
| Finland’s Recent Streak vs Malta | 6 consecutive wins |
The two nations have met nine times overall, with Finland winning six times, Malta winning once (in 1988), and two draws. Crucially, Finland has won their last six fixtures against Malta. The most recent competitive clash in March 2025 saw Finland secure a hard-fought 1-0 victory away from home, with the goal coming in the first half. This history confirms Finland’s superiority in this fixture, although Malta’s recent defensive resilience means a blowout is not guaranteed.
Players to Watch
Finland
- Robin Lod (Midfielder): The versatile midfielder is a crucial component of Finland’s attack, often providing creativity and goals from the centre of the park. His work rate and ability to create chances for the forwards will be key to breaking down Malta’s expected defensive block.
- Oliver Antman (Winger): The young winger, who scored the only goal in the 1-0 reverse fixture win against Malta, brings energy and directness to the attack. His pace and willingness to shoot from distance could be vital against a compact defence.
Malta
- Jodi Jones (Winger/Forward): The forward will be relied upon to provide creativity and attacking impetus in the final third, particularly with key players suspended. His technical ability and willingness to run with the ball can pose unexpected problems for the Finnish full-backs.
- Matthew Guillaumier (Midfielder): The central midfielder is one of Malta’s most consistent performers, providing steel in the middle of the park. His defensive work rate and ability to retain possession will be essential for disrupting Finland’s rhythm and slowing down their attack.
Prediction
Finland enters this match as the clear favorite, backed by their superior quality, home advantage, and the emotional lift of a final-day push for the play-offs and Teemu Pukki’s international swansong. While Malta is capable of frustrating opponents, their heavy suspensions and low goal-scoring record are significant handicaps. Finland will dominate possession and should eventually find the goals needed to secure a decisive victory. The key for Finland will be to score early to avoid a tense second half against a stubborn opponent.
Score Prediction: Finland 3-0 Malta
Live Stream and TV Broadcast Information
This important FIFA World Cup Qualifying – UEFA match is scheduled for broadcast across various platforms globally.
In Finland, the match is typically broadcast live on MTV Katsomo and MTV Sub.
In the United Kingdom (UK), the match will be available to watch and stream live on Viaplay Sports or other broadcasters holding the rights for this specific UEFA qualifying fixture.
In the United States (US), the match is typically available to watch and stream live on FOX Sports networks or their associated streaming services like Fubo TV or ViX+.
Check local TV and streaming listings in other regions for the most accurate broadcast information.
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