The UEFA 2026 World Cup Qualifiers continue with a crucial Group G encounter as Lithuania host Malta. Both sides are struggling at the bottom of the standings, but this direct clash offers a rare opportunity to collect valuable points. Lithuania are still searching for their first victory in the group, while Malta are desperate to recover from a heavy defeat against the Netherlands. With both teams under pressure, this match could prove decisive in shaping their qualification hopes.

Lithuania’s Recent Form and Key Stats

Lithuania currently sit fourth in Group G with two points from three matches. Their campaign began with a narrow 1-0 loss to Poland, where Robert Lewandowski’s late strike denied them a positive result. They responded well in their second fixture, holding group leaders Finland to a 2-2 draw in an entertaining contest. However, their most recent outing ended in a goalless stalemate against Malta, leaving them still without a win in the qualifiers.

Looking at their overall form, Lithuania have struggled to turn performances into victories. In their last five matches across all competitions, they have recorded 0 wins, 2 draws, and 3 defeats, scoring an average of just 0.6 goals per game while conceding 1.2. Their inability to score consistently has been a major issue, though they have shown resilience in defense, keeping two clean sheets in their last three qualifiers. At home, Lithuania tend to be more competitive, and they will hope to use that advantage to finally secure three points.

Another notable trend is that over 0.5 goals have been scored in 34 of their last 35 matches, suggesting that despite their modest attacking numbers, their games rarely end without at least one goal. However, they have also failed to lead at half-time in 25 of their last 27 fixtures, highlighting their slow starts. Against Malta, they will need to be sharper from the opening whistle to avoid another frustrating result.

Malta’s Recent Form and Key Stats

Malta enter this match bottom of Group G with just one point from four games. Their campaign has been particularly difficult, capped by a humiliating 8-0 defeat to the Netherlands in their last outing. That result not only dented their confidence but also left them with the worst defensive record in the group, conceding an average of 2.8 goals per game while failing to score a single goal so far in the qualifiers.

In their last five matches, Malta have 0 wins, 2 draws, and 3 defeats, with an alarming average of 0.0 goals scored and 2.2 conceded. Their lack of attacking threat is underlined by the fact that at least one team has failed to score in 14 of their last 15 matches. This inability to find the net has been their biggest weakness, and unless they can break that trend, their chances of taking points in Lithuania look slim.

Malta’s away record in World Cup qualification is also poor. They have lost at half-time in their last five away matches and have not managed to lead at the break in 25 of their last 26 fixtures overall. Historically, they have also struggled against Lithuania, failing to win in their last three meetings (D1, L2). With morale low after the heavy defeat to the Netherlands, coach Emilio De Leo faces a huge challenge to lift his squad for this must-win clash.

Lithuania vs Malta Prediction and Tactical Overview

This match is a battle between two sides desperate for points, but Lithuania appear to have the upper hand. They are playing at home, have shown more resilience in defense, and at least managed to score against stronger opposition like Finland. Malta, on the other hand, are yet to score in the qualifiers and come into this game on the back of a crushing defeat. Their lack of attacking options and poor away record make them clear underdogs.

From a tactical perspective, Lithuania are likely to adopt a cautious but proactive approach, aiming to control possession and create chances through their midfield. Malta will probably sit deep and try to frustrate their opponents, hoping to snatch something on the counterattack. However, given their recent struggles in front of goal, it is difficult to see them breaking down Lithuania’s defense.

Considering the statistics and recent form, this game is expected to be low-scoring, with Lithuania having the edge. The Tricolors have a realistic chance to secure their first win of the campaign, while Malta’s problems at both ends of the pitch could continue.

BetMines Lithuania vs Malta prediction: Home Win (1) with 59% probability.

Probable Line-ups Lithuania Malta

Lithuania (4-3-3): Edvinas Gertmonas – Klaudijus Upstas, Edvinas Girdvainis, Artemijus Tutyskinas, Edgaras Utkus – Titas Milasius, Modestas Vorobjovas, Paulius Golubickas – Gvidas Gineitis, Artur Dolznikov, Gytis Paulauskas

Malta (4-3-3): Henry Bonello – Juan Corbalan, Gabriel Mentz, Zach Muscat, Ryan Camenzuli – Jake Brimmer, Alexander Satariano, Jake Grech – Adam Overend, Paul Mbong, Joseph Mbong

Suspended

Lithuania: None

Malta: Matthew Guillaumier

Unavailable

Lithuania: Kipras Kazukolovas, Matas Vareika, Pijus Širvys, Vykintas Slivka, Armandas Kučys
Malta: Teddy Teuma, James Lee Carragher, Basil Tuma