Carragher, Buhagiar, Xerri and Debono back in Malta squad for final World Cup qualifiers

Malta coach Emilio De Leo has named the final squad for the upcoming European Qualifiers (Group G) for the 2026 World Cup against Finland and Poland.

The team will travel to Helsinki on Friday, November 14 to face Finland at the Helsinki Olympic Stadium at 6:00 pm local time.

On Monday, November 17, Malta will return to Ta’ Qali National Stadium to host Poland, with kick-off scheduled for 8:45 pm. This fixture will mark the last game of the group.

There are several notable inclusions in the squad.

Young defender Sven Xerri, who was previously named in the provisional squad in March, has now secured his first full international call-up under De Leo.

Trent Buhagiar, currently playing in Singapore, has once again been included, having last featured in the squad in March.

Goalkeeper Matthias Debono was called up for the provisional squad in May 2025, and has now been named in the final squad. 

Defender James Carragher returns after recovering from injury, having missed the September and October international windows.

Meanwhile, Ryan Camenzuli and Teddy Teuma will serve a one-match suspension in the Finland qualifier but will be available for the home clash against Poland on November 17.

Basil Tuma is also back in the squad after missing the previous window, completing a selection that balances experience with youth.

In the current Group G standings, the Netherlands lead the table with 16 points from six matches, followed by Poland on 13 points from the same number of games.

Finland are third with 10 points and Lithuania fourth with three points both from seven matches, while Malta have two points from six games.

MALTA SQUAD

Goalkeepers: Henry Bonello (Ħamrun Spartans), Rashed Al Tumi (Sliema Wanderers), Matthias Debono (Naxxar Lions).

Defenders: Zach Muscat (Chaves FC), Juan Carlos Corbalan (Marsaxlokk), Kurt Shaw (Sorrento), Enrico Pepe (Marsaxlokk), Jean Borg (Sliema Wanderers), James Carragher (Wigan Athletic), Gabriel Mentz (Gżira United), Sven Xerri (Ħamrun Spartans), Ryan Camenzuli (Ħamrun Spartans)*, Myles Beerman (Sliema Wanderers).

Midfielders: Matthew Guillaumier (Panserraikos), Brandon Diego Paiber (Valletta), Alexander Satariano (Athens Kallithea), Yannick Yankam (Valletta), Teddy Teuma (Reims)*, Jake Grech (Floriana).

Forwards: Joseph E. Mbong (Ħamrun Spartans), Paul Mbong (FK Čukarički), Ilyas Chouaref (Sion FC), Adam Magri Overend (Sliema Wanderers), Irvin Cardona (AS Saint-Étienne), Trent Buhagiar (Tampines Rovers), Kemar Reid (Birkirkara), Basil Tuma (Reading).

*suspended for the match against Finland