Irvin Cardona, Jake Brimmer in Malta squad for Lithuania World Cup qualifier

Injured Teuma, Carragher ruled out

Malta coach Emilio De Leo has named a provisional squad for the upcoming international matches against Lithuania and San Marino in early September.

The national team’s first commitment is on Thursday, 4 September,when Malta travel to Kaunas to face Lithuania at 6pm in a European Qualifier (Group G), valid for the 2026 World Cup. Five days later, the squad will return to Ta’ Qali National Stadium to host San Marino on Tuesday, 9 September, with kick-off scheduled for 9pm.

De Leo has infused fresh energy into his squad selection with several notable inclusions and eagerly-anticipated comebacks.

Irvin Cardona (St Etienne FC) earns his first call-up after pledging his international future to Malta. Cardona has just secured a permanent move to Saint-Étienne, having previously impressed with goals and assists during his time in Ligue 2 and on loan at Spanish club Espanyol.

Jake Brimmer, who plays for Auckland FC in Australia’s A-League, is another exciting newcomer to the squad. His selection brings international experience and flair to the team.

De Leo has also given the nod to Kean Scicluna, currently playing for top-flight Maltese club Żabbar St Patrick FC. Scicluna, 19, has progressed through Malta’s U17 and U21 ranks, scoring a decisive header in the U21 team’s win over San Marino last June. 

Yannick Yankam, who returned to Malta this summer to join Valletta FC, is another new inclusion for De Leo. The 26-year-old midfielder had previously represented Malta before the start of De Leo’s tenure earlier this year. 

Meanwhile, Ilyas Chouaref (Sion FC) marks his return to the national team after serving a suspension during the June window. His presence restores depth to the attack and brings experience that was sorely missed in the previous qualifiers.

Malta captain Matthew Guillaumier, who joined Greek Super League club Panserraikos this summer, must serve a one-match ban in the Lithuania qualifier but will be available for the home friendly against San Marino. 

Meanwhile Teddy Teuma and James Lee Carragher are sidelined due to injury. 

Even Basil Tuma is recovering from injury and is expected to be named to U21 coach Davide Mazzotta’s squad for their September commitments.

MALTA SQUAD

Goalkeepers: Henry Bonello (Ħamrun Spartans FC), Rashed Al Tumi (Sliema Wanderers FC), James Sissons (Chesterfield FC – ENG).

Defenders: Zach Muscat (Chaves FC – POR), Juan Carlos Corbalan (Marsaxlokk FC), Kurt Shaw (Sorrento FC – ITA), Enrico Pepe (Marsaxlokk FC), Jean Borg (Sliema Wanderers FC), Gabriel Mentz (Gżira United FC), Kean Scicluna (Żabbar St Patrick FC), Ryan Camenzuli (Ħamrun Spartans FC), Myles Beerman (Sliema Wanderers FC).

Midfielders: Matthew Guillaumier (Panserraikos FC – GRE)*, Brandon Diego Paiber (Valletta FC), Alexander Satariano (Athens Kallithea FC – GRE), Jake Azzopardi (Valletta FC), Jake Grech (Floriana FC), Yannick Yankam (Valletta FC), Jake Brimmer (Auckland FC – AUS), Adam Magri Overend (Sliema Wanderers FC).

Forwards: Joseph E. Mbong (Ħamrun Spartans FC), Jodi Jones (Notts County FC – ENG), Paul Mbong (FK Čukarički – SRB), Ilyas Chouaref (Sion FC – SUI), Irvin Cardona (AS Saint-Étienne – FRA), Kyrian Nwoko (Sliema Wanderers FC), Keyon Ewurum (Valletta FC), Kemar Reid (Birkirkara FC).