Finland hosts Malta at the Helsinki Olympic Stadium on Friday in this preview, for a 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier that is all about pride and positioning. With both teams mathematically eliminated from contention for the top two spots in Group G, this match becomes a battle to avoid finishing at the bottom of the table. Finland, currently in third, will be desperate to put on a show for their home fans and end a difficult campaign on a high.
This match preview pits a struggling home side against one of Europe’s perennial underdogs. Malta has managed just two points in this campaign—both from draws against Lithuania—but has been on the receiving end of heavy defeats, including an 8-0 thrashing by the Netherlands. For Finland, this is a must-win game, and punters will find interesting markets on Betano for a match they are expected to dominate.
Finland vs Malta match preview
Team Recent Form
Based on their last five matches across all competitions (including a friendly for Malta):
- Finland: LWLLW
- Malta: LLWDL
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Key Stats
Here are three crucial statistics for bettors to consider:
- One-Sided History: Finland has an overwhelmingly dominant record against Malta, having won every single encounter since their first and only draw back in 1990.
- Malta’s Goal Drought: Malta’s attack has struggled massively in this qualifying group. They have scored just one goal in their six group matches so far.
Correct Score Prediction
My prediction is a 3-0 victory for Finland.
While Finland’s own form has been poor, this match is the perfect “get right” spot for them. They are playing at home against a team that has been completely outclassed offensively for the entire campaign, scoring just one goal. Malta’s defence is porous, and Finland, despite their struggles, still possesses superior quality in attack with players like Joel Pohjanpalo and Oliver Antman. Expect the Huuhkajat (Eagle-owls) to control the game from start to finish and win comfortably, likely keeping a clean sheet in the process.
Finland vs Malta H2H
The head-to-head record shows complete dominance by the home side:
- Finland and Malta have played once in this qualifying group, with Finland winning the reverse fixture 1-0 in March 2025.
- Finland has won all of its competitive and friendly matches against Malta.
- Finland has kept a clean sheet in its last two victories over Malta.
- The Finns have traditionally been able to score multiple goals in their home fixtures against the Maltese.
Pre-game Odds
As expected, the hosts are overwhelming favourites. The value is not in the match-winner market but in the handicaps and goal totals, which you can find on Betano.
- Finland to win: 1.31
- Draw: 6.819
- Malta to win: 16.73
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Team News Finland
The biggest news for Finland is the retirement of an icon. This match will be an emotional one as it is the final home game for legendary striker Teemu Pukki, who is saying farewell to the national team. Expect him to be heavily involved. Under new coach Jacob Friis, Finland will look to build some momentum. They have no new major injury concerns and will likely field a strong attacking lineup to give Pukki a fitting send-off in front of the Helsinki crowd.
Team News Malta
Malta’s squad has been hit with a late injury blow. Forward Kemar Reid, who plays for Birkirkara F.C., suffered an injury in training and has been ruled out of the match. He has been replaced by Valletta F.C. centre-forward Andrea Zammit, who receives his first call-up to the senior team. Otherwise, coach Emilio De Leo will rely on his most experienced players, including Teddy Teuma and Joseph Mbong, to try and organise a defence that was breached eight times by the Netherlands.
Predicted Line up
Finland possible starting lineup: Hradecky; Alho, Ivanov, Koski, Uronen; Kairinen, Kamara; Antman, Lod, Pukki; Pohjanpalo
Malta possible starting lineup: Bonello; J. Borg, Pepe, Shaw, Muscat, Camenzuli; Guillaumier, Teuma, Mbong; Satariano, Jones
Finland vs Malta betting tips
This match is all about Finland’s attack against Malta’s struggling defence. Here are my top three tips, all available on Betano.
- Tip 1 – Result: Finland to win
- Tip 2 – Over/Under 2.5 goals: Over 2.5 goals
- Tip 3 – Both team to score: No
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