The Matchday 3 World Cup 2026 qualifying clash between Malta and Lithuania will take place on June 7 at the National Stadium in Ta' Qali. Malta vs. Lithuania: prediction and betting odds, statistics.
Malta
Emilio De Leo's side quickly found themselves at the bottom of Group G. The team lost both of their opening qualifiers without scoring: a 0-1 defeat to Finland at home and a 0-2 loss to Poland away. Malta's losing streak in World Cup qualifiers now stands at four matches, with a heavy aggregate score of 1-16.
- The team has not won in World Cup qualifying for eight matches (1 draw and 7 losses).
- Malta failed to score in 6 of their last 8 games in this tournament.
- Malta has trailed at halftime in their last six World Cup qualifiers.
Predicted lineup for Malta (3-5-2)
Henry Bonello – James Carragher, Zach Muscat, Enrico Pepe – Teddy Teuma, Joseph Mbong, Matthew Guillaumier, Ryan Camenzuli, Alex Satariano – Kyrian Nwoko, Paul Mbong.
Forward Ilyas Shouaref, defenders Gabriel Mentz and Kurt Shaw will miss the match due to suspensions.
Lithuania
The Baltic team had a decent showing in their March qualifiers. Edgaras Jankauskas's side narrowly lost 0-1 away to Poland and then drew 2-2 at home against Finland. Notably, in their last 17 European World Cup qualifiers, Lithuania has only scored more than one goal twice. The team currently sits third in the group with one point.
- Lithuania has only one win in their last 17 games in this tournament (2 draws and 14 losses).
- At least two goals have been scored in 15 of Lithuania's last 20 World Cup qualifiers.
- In their last 13 away World Cup qualifiers, Lithuania has lost 10 times.
Predicted lineup for Lithuania (4-4-2)
Edvinas Gertmonas – Pijus Sirvys, Artemijus Tutyskinas, Edgaras Utkus, Kipras Kazukolovas – Vykintas Slivka, Gvidas Gineitis, Paulius Golubickas, Domantas Antanavicius – Gytis Paulauskas, Manfredas Ruzgis.
Referee
Marian Barbu (Romania)
Matches – 9 (International matches, 2024/25);
Yellow cards shown (including second yellows) – 29;
Average yellow cards per match – 3.2;
Red cards shown – 1;
Average fouls per match – 23;
Penalties – 22%.
Match Prediction for Malta vs. Lithuania
This upcoming match features potential Group G underdogs. Both teams will be eager to improve their standings and avoid finishing at the bottom. However, both sides struggle in attack and score very few goals, so a high-scoring game is not expected.
Malta has scored only three goals in their last eight World Cup qualifiers. Additionally, in their last 44 home matches in this tournament, Malta has only managed to score more than one goal once. Lithuania, particularly weak on the road, has scored just four goals in their last 13 away World Cup qualifiers. Therefore, I anticipate that this match, like their last two encounters, will feature a maximum of two goals.
My prediction: Total under 2.5 goals
