Malta pulled off an unexpected triumph in Helsinki, taking their maiden success of the 2026 qualifying cycle despite creating just one clear opening.
The visiting side made the breakthrough with their only effort that required a save, punishing a Finnish team that had controlled most exchanges.
This result marked only the fourth time Malta had emerged victorious in a qualifying contest for the global tournament, according to the national association.
Midfielder Jake Grech proved to be the difference-maker after entering the action late. He stepped onto the pitch in the final stages and produced the winning moment shortly after, guiding a low effort from outside the area beyond the goalkeeper.
The strike represented just the nation’s second conversion across seven group matches, a run in which they had conceded heavily.
Finland had dictated the tempo and created a steady flow of openings. They fashioned fourteen attempts, including one that rebounded off the frame, but failed to turn pressure into an equalizer.
The hosts’ dominance of the ball provided little reward, leaving the crowd stunned at the outcome.
Group standings take a new shape
The win lifted Malta into fourth place in Group G. They now sit five points adrift of Finland, whose hopes of progressing are already gone.
Elsewhere in the same section, the Netherlands were positioned to clinch a place at the 2026 event with a positive result against Poland later in the day.