The qualifying cycle for the World Cup in Europe is entering its decisive phase. In the second half of the tournament, fans in this group are focusing their attention on the national team of the Finland, which is hosting its southern rivals at home. The upcoming match will affect the tournament standings and provide an opportunity to watch live football.
For the hosts, this evening could be a step towards an important win, and for the visitors, a chance to revive the fight in the series of games.
Key details of the match:
- date: November 14;
- time: 17:00 UTC;
- tournament – 2026 World Cup qualifiers;
- venue: Olympic Stadium, Helsinki;
The match is part of the national team qualifying tournament and is attracting the attention of betting enthusiasts across Europe.
Statistics of previous matches. Head to head
In the history of face-to-face matches, the Finnish national team looks more confident, while the Malta team more often goes into low defense and waits for the opponent’s mistakes. This style makes the basic prediction quite clear, although the ball always leaves space for surprises.
| Date | Tournament | Result | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| 21.03.2025 | World Cup (qualifiers) | 1:0 | Finland |
| 26.03.2018 | Friendly match | 5:0 | Finland |
| 03.03.2010 | Friendly match | 2:1 | Finland |
| 31.03.2004 | Friendly match | 2:1 | Finland |
| 25.03.1998 | Friendly match | 2:0 | Finland |
The table shows that the winner remained the same in all five games. The difference in goals is significant, and the average score is consistently in favor of the northerners.
Before the match, coaches keep an eye on the leaders and game patterns. When choosing bets, it is useful to look at the lineups and remember that even a small rotation changes the pattern of the match between such teams.
UEFA World Cup 2026 Qualification standings
The match is held under the auspices of UEFA as part of the global Qualification for the 2026 tournament. The Netherlands and Poland are at the top of the table, Finland is in the middle, and the visitors are in last place.
Current tournament picture:
| № | Team | Games | Wins | Draws | Losses | Goals | Difference | Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | Netherlands | 6 | 5 | 1 | 0 | 22:3 | 19 | 16 |
| 2. | Poland | 6 | 4 | 1 | 1 | 10:4 | 6 | 13 |
| 3. | Finland | 7 | 3 | 1 | 3 | 8:13 | -5 | 10 |
| 4. | Lithuania | 7 | 0 | 3 | 4 | 6:11 | -5 | 3 |
| 5. | Malta | 6 | 0 | 2 | 4 | 1:16 | -15 | 2 |
For the visitors, even a single win at the end of the qualifiers will be a sign of progress and motivation for the upcoming competitions.
Predictions and betting odds
Bookmakers have already set their lines, and the hosts are clear favorites. The odds for a clear victory for the northerners are significantly lower than those for Malta’s success, but the market is not limited to the outcome. Players have access to totals on goals, handicaps, statistical markets, and accurate betting, where they can find solutions for their strategy.
When choosing a coupon, it is worth looking at the dynamics and news. Updated lineups move the odds throughout the day, so comparing them across several bookmakers helps you find more favorable values and form a more accurate working prediction.
It is useful to decide in advance which bet fits into the overall bank plan. For beginners, simple tips help you keep predictions within the chosen system.
Popular betting options:
- a cautious bet on Finland to win with odds of around 1.55 in euros;
- the “both teams to score” market, where the final score remains open and the odds offered look attractive;
- choosing a handicap on the underdog if the analytical prediction shows a chance for a close match and the live betting format seems convenient.
Before the whistle, northern fans are expecting activity in attack and reliability in defense, while Malta fans are hoping for discipline and quick counterattacks. Regardless of the outcome, this match will remind us that one accurate strike can change the tournament.