Poland faces a crucial match against Malta on November 17, 2025, at the National Stadium in Attard, as they aim to keep their World Cup dreams alive. Following a tense 1-1 draw with the Netherlands, Poland finds itself in a precarious position, sitting three points behind the Dutch team in Group G with only one match left. To secure automatic qualification for the 2026 World Cup, Poland not only needs to win against Malta but also requires the Netherlands to lose to Lithuania, alongside overcoming a significant 13-goal difference.
Despite the overwhelming odds against them, Poland does enter the match with some positive form, remaining unbeaten in their last five competitive outings. Even if they fail to qualify directly, the team, managed by Jan Urban, is assured a playoff spot, ensuring their pursuit of World Cup glory continues beyond this fixture.
On the other hand, Malta is coming off a morale-boosting 1-0 victory against Finland, marking their first win in Group G. Jake Grech’s late goal in that match propelled Malta to fourth place with five points, giving them a slim possibility of finishing above Lithuania in the overall standings. However, history does not favor Malta, as they have lost all previous five encounters with Poland, conceding a staggering 15 goals without finding the net.
Analysts expect a high-scoring match, with betting odds indicating strong potential for more than 2.5 goals, especially considering Malta’s struggles to defend against stronger opponents. Their recent losses, including heavy defeats to the Netherlands and Bosnia & Herzegovina, highlight this vulnerability.
As both teams prepare for what promises to be an intriguing encounter, Poland will seek to close out their qualifying campaign with a convincing victory, while Malta will aim to deliver a spirited performance in front of their home fans. The anticipation builds for what could be a decisive day in European football, with Poland aiming to make a statement as they transition into playoff preparations.