Finland head into their final FIFA World Cup Qualifier (WCQ) clash knowing that only a victory over Malta will keep their slim hopes of reaching a first-ever World Cup alive. The Huuhkajat’s destiny, however, is not entirely in their own hands even a win in Helsinki may not be enough unless results elsewhere go their way.

After a bright start to the qualifying campaign, Jacob Friis’ side have stumbled in recent weeks, winning just one of their last three matches (L2). That dip in form has left them third in Group G, three points adrift of second placed Poland. To have any chance of advancing to the play-offs, Finland must first beat Malta and then hope that Poland lose to the Netherlands. Even if both those results go their way, the Finns would still need Malta to spring a huge surprise by defeating Poland in their final fixture.

For Malta, the trip north carries no such tension. Their fate is already sealed after a disappointing campaign that has yielded just two points (D2, L4) and a solitary goal. Under the guidance of Emilio De Leo, who took charge in January, Malta’s only win in eight outings came in a September friendly against San Marino (3-1). De Leo’s men will nevertheless be eager to end their WCQ run on a positive note and perhaps avoid finishing bottom of Group G, a target that would require at least two points from their remaining two matches.

History does little to boost Malta’s hopes, with Finland unbeaten in the last eight head-to-heads (W6, D2) and having won each of the last six encounters. The last meeting between the sides saw Finland record their only clean sheet in their last 19 matches, claiming a narrow 1-0 victory in March.

Goals have been a frequent theme in Finland’s qualifiers, with five of their seven group games producing over 2.5 total goals. Yet defensive frailty has been a major concern for Friis’ men, who have managed just one shutout in nearly two years. Malta, meanwhile, have shown discipline issues, collecting a group-high 19 yellow cards, and have often faded late, conceding five goals from the 76th minute onwards.

This match also marks the end of an era for Finland’s legendary forward Teemu Pukki, who will retire from international football after November’s fixtures. The veteran striker has fond memories of facing Malta, having scored twice in a 5-0 victory back in 2018. His farewell appearance is sure to add extra motivation for both him and his teammates.

Malta will once again look to Alexander Satariano, the scorer of their only goal in this qualifying cycle. Notably, the team has never lost a match in which he has found the net (W2, D2). However, they will be severely weakened by suspensions to Jake Azzopardi, Ryan Camenzuli, and key midfielder Teddy Teuma.

Finland’s first-choice goalkeeper Lukas Hradecky has been called up despite missing Monaco’s last 13 games, and his presence could prove vital in ensuring the hosts avoid a costly defensive lapse.

With the stakes sky-high for Finland and only pride on the line for Malta, Helsinki is set for a night of tension, emotion, and potential farewells. For Pukki and his teammates, it’s all or nothing win, and hope the footballing gods do the rest.