Malta faces an uphill task on Tuesday as Emilio De Leo’s side takes on the Netherlands in another match from Group G of the European Qualifiers leading to the 2026 FIFA World Cup at the Euroborg Stadion in Groningen, kick-off is at 20:45.
This will be the fourth match for Malta. In the previous three matches, Malta failed to score but after a 0-1 defeat to Finland at Ta’ Qali and a 2-0 loss to Poland in Warsaw, a point was obtained on Saturday in a goalless draw with Lithuania.
Photos courtesy of Andre Farrugia / Malta FA
Facing the Netherlands is definitely no easy task but while addressing the media on Monday, coach Emilio De Leo emphasised that the team’s focus remains consistent, regardless of the opposition.
“We have trained hard and the group is motivated. It is a prestigious match, but our mentality does not change based on the opponent. I do not agree with the idea that this is our most difficult game. Every match must be treated equally. The so-called ‘easier’ games on paper can often be the most difficult.”
“The Netherlands are a very strong team with a lot of talent. We know what we are facing — it will be a real test. But we’re not just here to watch; we are here to compete.”
De Leo called for unity and support from fans back home: “Malta and its boys deserve respect. To achieve a good result, we need everyone behind us. That support is vital.”
The coach also highlighted Malta’s ongoing investment in youth, noting that the team is “giving space to players born in 2007,” signalling a long-term vision for the national side.
In fact, young Valletta forward Keyon Ewurum, who is aged 18 made his debut on Saturday.
Squad changes are still being assessed ahead of kickoff. “We’re still evaluating players, even tonight,” De Leo confirmed. “But we’re pleased to welcome back Shaw and Mentz, who return from suspension.”
Kurt Shaw was sent off in the match against Finland in March while Gabriel Mentz was sent off in the match against Andorra last November. They served a two-match ban and a three-match ban respectively.
Gabriel Mentz expressed his pride in wearing the national shirt again.
“It is an honour to be part of the national team. It was frustrating to sit back and watch from afar. This is one of the best teams in Europe, so it is a big match. But we have prepared well over the past three weeks and we are ready.”
Jean Borg and Zach Muscat were dropped to make way for Mentz and Shaw.
The Malta squad is therefore made up of:
goalkeepers Rashed Al Tumi (FC Sheriff Tiraspol – MDA), Henry Bonello (Ħamrun Spartans FC), James Sissons (Melita FC);
defenders Gabriel Mentz (Gzira United FC), Kurt Shaw (Hibernians FC), Carlo Zammit Lonardelli (Floriana FC), Juan Carlos Corbalan (Marsaxlokk FC), James Lee Carragher (Wigan Athletic FC – ENG), Enrico Pepe (Gżira United FC), Jean Borg (Sliema Wanderers FC), Ryan Camenzuli (Ħamrun Spartans FC), Myles Beerman (Sliema Wanderers FC).
Midfielders Matthew Guillaumier (FKS Stal Mielec Spolka Akcyjna – POL), Brandon Diego Paiber (Valletta FC), Bjorn Kristensen (Hibernians FC), Alexander Satariano (Birkirkara FC), Jake Azzopardi (Valletta FC), Teddy Teuma (Stade de Reims FC – FRA), Jake Grech (Floriana FC), Steven Pisani (Sliema Wanderers FC).
forwards Joseph Essien Mbong (Ħamrun Spartans FC), Adam Magri Overend (Sliema Wanderers FC), Jodi Jones (Notts County FC – ENG), Paul Mbong (Birkirkara FC), Basil Tenywa Tuma (Reading FC – ENG), Kyrian Nwoko (Sliema Wanderers FC), Keyon Ewurum (Valletta FC).
After reaching the semi-finals of EURO 2024, only losing 1-2 to England, they finished second in Group A3 of the UEFA Nations League after obtaining two wins and three draws, losing only to group winners Germany. In the quarter-finals they were eliminated by Spain on penalties. In their first match from these European Qualifiers, they defeated Finland 2-0 away from home on Saturday.
Dutch coach Ronald Koeman has called up twenty three players for these two matches which includes just three home-based players. No less than ten players play in England with the others playing in Austria, Italy, Germany, Spain and Brazil.
The squad is made up of: goalkeepers Mark Flekken (Brentford ENG), Nick Olij (Sparta Rotterdam), Kjell Scherpen (Sturm Graz AUT);
Nathan Aké (Manchester City ENG), Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool ENG), Denzel Dumfries (Internazionale ITA), Jeremie Frimpong (Bayer 04 Leverkusen GER), Cody Gakpo (Liverpool ENG), Lutsharel Geertruida (RB Leipzig GER), Ryan Gravenberch (Liverpool ENG), Jorrel Hato (Ajax), Jan Paul van Hecke (Brighton & Hove Albion ENG), Frenkie de Jong (FC Barcelona ESP), Justin Kluivert (Bournemouth ENG), Noa Lang (PSV), Donyell Malen (Aston Villa ENG), Memphis Depay (Corinthians BRA), Tijjani Reijnders (AC Milan ITA),
Xavi Simons (RB Leipzig GER), Micky van de Ven (Tottenham Hotspur ENG), Stefan de Vrij (Internazionale ITA), Wout Weghorst (Ajax), Mats Wieffer (Brighton & Hove Albion ENG).
Malta and the Netherlands met six times in European Championship qualifiers. The Netherlands won 6-0 at the neutral venue of Aachen in December 1982 and then 5-0 in Rotterdam. in December 1983. In December 1990, the Netherlands registered the largest win – an 8-0 win at Ta’ Qali but in Rotterdam in March 1991, the Netherlands needed a Marco Van Basten penalty to claim the three points. In March 1995, the Netherlands won 4-0 n Rotterdam and once again in october 1995, they registered a similar 4-0 win.
Netherlands vs Malta will be controlled by Spanish officials, namely referee Ricardo de Burgos, assisted by Iker De Francisco and Iván Masso, fourth official José Luis Munuera, Video Assistant Referee Guillermo Cuadra and Assistant VAR Javier Iglesias Villanueva.
The match will be broadcast live on TVMSport+