The Meridianbet FA Trophy Preliminary Round features seven one-off knockout matches over December 6th and 7th, 2025. The winners will advance to the Round of 32 to face Premier League opposition. The matches showcase clashes between teams from the Challenge League, National Amateur League, and Gozo FA divisions.

Here is a short preview of each fixture:

Qormi FC vs Balzan FC (Saturday, Dec 6)
Balzan FC, currently a high-flying team in the Maltese Challenge League and former FA Trophy winners, enter this match as probable favorites. They face Qormi FC in a match that will likely test Qormi’s resolve against a strong side.

Melita FC vs Xewkija Tigers FC (Saturday, Dec 6)
Melita FC, currently joint-top of the Challenge League, faces Gozitan side Xewkija Tigers. Melita will aim to continue their strong domestic form, while Xewkija will seek to pull off a cup upset against higher-division opposition.

Sirens FC vs Santa Lucia FC (Saturday, Dec 6)
This is one of the most intriguing fixtures, as it pits two teams against each other who were both recently relegated from the Premier League and now compete in the Challenge League. Both sides possess quality and will see this as a key opportunity for a cup run.

Victoria Hotspurs FC vs Xagħra United FC (Sunday, Dec 7)
This match features two teams from the Gozitan league (or at least one Gozitan and an Amateur league side), ensuring a closely contested battle between familiar opponents. A win here guarantees a spot in the main draw against more prominent Maltese teams.

Żebbuġ Rangers FC vs Qala Saints FC (Saturday, Dec 6)
Żebbuġ Rangers FC, who have been active in Jubilee Cup matches recently, face Qala Saints FC. This encounter provides both teams a chance to focus on cup success and potentially build momentum for their respective league campaigns.

Nadur Youngsters FC vs Birżebbuġa St. Peters FC (Sunday, Dec 7)
Nadur Youngsters FC, a strong Gozo FA side, hosts Birżebbuġa St. Peters FC, currently third in the Challenge League. The home advantage at the Gozo Stadium might give Nadur an edge against their high-ranking opponents.

St. Andrews FC vs Vittoriosa Stars FC (Saturday, Dec 6)
St. Andrews FC takes on Vittoriosa Stars FC, with both teams playing in the Challenge League. St. Andrews holds a slight historical advantage in head-to-head encounters, but in a cup match, form can be unpredictable.