FIFA World Cup 2026 – European Qualifiers (Group G)

17 November 2025 – National Stadium, Ta’ Qali

**Malta 2

Poland 3**
(Half-time: 1–1)

Goals:
32’ Robert Lewandowski (POL)
36’ Irvin Cardona (MLT)
59’ Pawel Wszolek (POL)
68’ Teddy Teuma (MLT, pen.)
85’ Piotr Zielinski (POL)

Malta came close to producing another memorable result in their 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign, but were ultimately edged out 3–2 by Poland in a thrilling contest at the National Stadium on Monday evening.

The hosts began brightly, showing courage and intensity in possession. Within four minutes, Ryan Camenzuli broke down the flank and delivered a dangerous low cross, though the Polish defence managed to clear.

Despite Malta’s control, Poland threatened on the counter with their first real chance arriving in the 22nd minute, when Nicola Zalewski fired wide after a midfield turnover.

The visitors struck first in the 32nd minute. Captain Robert Lewandowski rose above his markers to head home from close range, putting Poland ahead.

Malta responded superbly. Just four minutes later, pressure inside the box saw a blocked shot fall to Irvin Cardona, who calmly slotted past Dragowski to make it 1–1. The National Stadium erupted as Malta scored their first-ever goal against Poland.

Malta continued to push, with Ilyas Chouaref causing repeated problems on the break. Shortly before half-time, Cardona linked with Joseph Mbong and Satariano, but the latter’s effort lacked power and was gathered easily by Dragowski.

The teams went into the interval level at 1–1.

Poland started the second half with renewed urgency. Lewandowski and Slisz both had chances early on, but could not convert. However, in the 59th minute, a blocked shot fell kindly to Pawel Wszolek, who tapped in the rebound to restore Poland’s advantage.

The match exploded into drama just minutes later. In the 61st minute, Cardona was brought down in the area after being played through by Teddy Teuma. Poland went on to score in the same action, but VAR intervened, cancelling the goal and awarding Malta a penalty. Teuma stepped up and buried it confidently for his fifth international goal, bringing the score to 2–2.

Malta nearly completed the turnaround in the 80th minute when Adam Magri Overend unleashed a powerful strike, only to be denied by an outstanding Dragowski save.

Poland delivered the decisive blow in the 85th minute. A long-range effort from Piotr Zielinski took a deflection, wrong-footing Bonello and nestling into the net.

Despite a valiant late push, Malta were unable to find another equaliser, and Poland held on for a narrow 3–2 victory.

The result sees Malta finish their Group G campaign in fourth place with a commendable five points, reflecting a qualifying journey full of growth, character, and historic moments.

Malta

Henry Bonello (GK); Ryan Camenzuli, Gabriel Mentz (Trent Buhagiar 87’), Kurt Shaw, Matthew Guillaumier (C); Joseph Mbong (Adam Magri Overend 46’), Teddy Teuma (Enrico Pepe 77’), Irvin Cardona (Paul Mbong 77’); Ilyas Chouaref, Zach Muscat (Juan Corbalan 54’), Alexander Satariano
Coach: Emilio De Leo

Poland

Bartlomiej Dragowski; Przemyslaw Wisniewski (Bartosz Bereszynski 77’), Tomasz Kedziora, Jakub Kiwior, Nicola Zalewski (Karol Swiderski 46’); Bartosz Slisz (Bartosz Kaputska 77’), Jakub Kaminski (Filip Rozga 90+1’); Pawel Wszolek (Kamil Grosicki 77’), Michal Skoras; Piotr Zielinski; Robert Lewandowski (C)
Coach: Jan Urban

Referee: Igor Pajac (Croatia)