Malta begin their 2026/27 UEFA Nations League campaign against Andorra on 24 September. Emilio De Leo’s side will then face Gibraltar before completing the four-match programme in November.

The group offers Malta another realistic chance to reach League C. They collected seven points in the previous Nations League campaign but finished behind Moldova, leaving them dependent on a promotion play-off against Luxembourg.

Photo courtesy of Malta FA

That tie ended in a 5-0 aggregate defeat. Luxembourg won 2-0 at Ta’ Qali and added a 3-0 victory in the second leg, despite Malta creating several presentable chances across the two matches. The task this autumn is to avoid needing another play-off by finishing first in Group D1.

Malta’s recent competitive results may also interest supporters checking the early prices offered by betting sites. The team has shown that it can compete with nations of a similar level, but its low scoring record and occasional defensive lapses make individual matches difficult to assess.

Can Malta win Nations League Group D1?

Malta have been drawn alongside Andorra and Gibraltar in one of the competition’s two League D groups. Every team plays four matches, meeting both opponents at home and away.

The short schedule means there is little room to recover after a poor result. Malta will play three of their four fixtures within 11 days, beginning away to Andorra on 24 September. Gibraltar visit Andorra three days later before Malta host Gibraltar on 1 October and Andorra on 4 October.

Malta’s final match is away to Gibraltar on 16 November. By that point, both teams will know exactly what result is required.

Group position will be decided by points, followed initially by the head-to-head record between teams that finish level. A draw against a direct rival can therefore become costly if it is followed by a defeat in the reverse fixture.

Malta should enter the group believing that first place is achievable. They took four points against Andorra during the 2024/25 campaign, while Gibraltar finished second in the other League D group with six points.

What do Malta’s previous Nations League results show?

Malta’s last league-phase campaign produced two wins, one draw and one defeat. They scored only two goals but conceded twice, finishing with seven points and a level goal difference.

The opening match was the main setback. Moldova beat Malta 2-0 in Chişinău, placing Michele Marcolini’s team under immediate pressure. Malta responded three days later with a 1-0 victory in Andorra, secured by Ryan Camenzuli’s first-half goal.

A 1-0 home win over Moldova briefly reopened the promotion race. Teddy Teuma scored the decisive penalty, but Moldova retained control of the group and eventually finished two points ahead.

Malta’s campaign ended with a goalless home draw against Andorra. That result demonstrated their defensive strength, although it also exposed the attacking problem that has regularly limited the team. Across four matches, Malta scored once through open play and once from the penalty spot.

Seven points could be enough to challenge again, but Malta may need a better goal return. In a three-team group, goal difference can become decisive if the leading sides exchange victories.

Has Malta improved since the last competition?

De Leo replaced Marcolini after the previous league phase and has tried to make Malta more proactive in possession. The results have remained uneven, but there have been signs of progress against stronger opposition.

Malta ended their 2026 World Cup qualifying group with five points. A 1-0 away win over Finland was the clearest success, while a 3-2 defeat to Poland showed that the team could create chances against a higher-ranked opponent.

The Luxembourg play-off was less encouraging. Malta failed to score across 180 minutes and conceded five times. They missed several opportunities during the first leg before allowing two second-half goals. In Luxembourg, an early Vincent Thill strike made the comeback unlikely, and Joseph Mbong’s red card further weakened their position.

The contrast between those performances explains Malta’s main challenge. They are capable of defending well and causing problems on the counterattack, but they do not yet turn enough promising periods into goals.

Which Malta players could influence the group?

Experienced goalkeeper Henry Bonello remains an important figure behind a defence containing Zach Muscat, Enrico Pepe and Ryan Camenzuli. Muscat earned his 80th international appearance during the second leg against Luxembourg and provides valuable experience in matches that may be decided by small details.

Matthew Guillaumier offers control in midfield, while Teddy Teuma remains one of Malta’s most creative players when fit. Teuma reached 50 caps in the Luxembourg play-off but was injured during the first leg.

Further forward, Ilyas Chouaref and Irvin Cardona give Malta options outside the domestic league. Joseph Mbong brings direct running and physical pressure, although his dismissal in Luxembourg showed the importance of discipline during tight competitive matches.

De Leo also included younger players such as Keyon Ewurum and Adam Magri Overend in his March squad. The Nations League could provide an opportunity to introduce them more regularly, particularly during a demanding period containing four matches in quick succession.

Why the opening match against Andorra matters

Malta’s trip to Andorra may shape the entire group. A victory would provide an early advantage and place pressure on Gibraltar before the second round of fixtures.

Recent meetings suggest that the match will be close. Malta won 1-0 in Andorra during the previous campaign, then drew 0-0 in Ta’ Qali. Both games were low-scoring, with limited space and few clear opportunities.

Patience will be important. Malta cannot afford to commit too many players forward and leave Andorra room to counterattack, but another cautious draw could make the following home matches more difficult.

The group offers Malta a credible route into League C after the disappointment of March. Their defence has already proved capable at this level. Finding a more reliable source of goals will decide if this campaign ends with promotion rather than another missed opportunity.