Qualification history
Malta have never reached world football’s showpiece event, despite having taken part in every FIFA World Cup™ qualifying campaign since 1974. Their task seems unlikely to get easier any time soon, and they may have to content themselves with a place among Europe’s also-rans for the time being. Malta’s only qualifying victory to date was a 1-0 win over Estonia in May 1993, in a qualifier for USA 1994.
The current crop
While Malta are still chasing that elusive first appearance at a FIFA World Cup, they will be heartened by the fact that they have made almost constant progress over the last few years. Indeed, draws against FYR Macedonia (1-1) and Switzerland (0-0) will have tasted almost as sweet as victories for Malta, and all evidence suggests that the Mediterranean islanders are slowly but surely making up ground on Europe’s big guns.
The key players
All-time leading scorer Michael Mifsud is Malta’s main attacking threat, while Justin Haber provides a solid presence in goal.
Coach: John Buttigieg
Best performance in a FIFA competition: None
Former stars: Gilbert Agius, David Carabott, Carmel Busuttil
