Simon Dalton presents his prediction for the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers match.
There is a realistic chance that both Malta and Lithuania could end up in the same UEFA Nations League League D group in the next cycle. For now, though, they are set to meet in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
Malta
In the current UEFA standings, Lithuania are ranked 49th, while Malta sit 51st. The contrast is more noticeable in the FIFA World Rankings, where a 26-place gap separates the two teams. Malta are currently bottom of Group G in fifth place, but have surprisingly registered a respectable goal difference of –3 after two fixtures. The main issue is they have yet to score a goal. Their opponents so far? Considerably stronger teams than Lithuania: Finland (0:1) and Poland (0:2).
Lithuania
Lithuania, meanwhile, are third in the group, sitting above both Malta and the Netherlands. That might come as a surprise, but it’s easily explained — the Netherlands have yet to play a match in this qualifying campaign. Lithuania have faced the same opposition as Malta. They lost 0:1 to Poland in Warsaw and came from 0:2 down to earn a 2:2 draw with Finland in Kaunas.
Malta vs Lithuania Prediction
Given that Lithuania have achieved superior results against identical opponents, logic suggests they are better positioned to come away with a win. Still, nothing can be taken for granted. In the 2018 World Cup qualifiers, the two nations drew 1:1 in Malta before Lithuania a 2:0 win at home. What appears more likely is that Lithuania will avoid defeat, and the match is expected to produce few goals.
