The Malta national soccer team, representing the small Mediterranean island nation of Malta, has a long history that reflects its passion for the sport despite its limited resources and small population.

History

Malta's national team played its first international match on February 24, 1957, against Austria. The team became a member of FIFA and UEFA in 1959, which allowed them to compete in international competitions. Throughout its history, Malta has often been seen as underdogs in European soccer, frequently competing against larger and more established soccer nations.

Major Successes

• FIFA World Cup: Malta has yet to qualify for a FIFA World Cup. The team often participates in the qualifying rounds but has not reached the final tournament.
• UEFA European Championship: Similar to the World Cup, Malta has not qualified for the UEFA European Championship finals. They continue to strive for improvement in the qualifying stages.
• Notable Victories: Despite never qualifying for a major tournament, Malta has achieved some notable victories in their history. A significant win came in June 2021, when they defeated Cyprus 3-0 during a World Cup qualifier.

Notable Players

• Michael Mifsud: Widely regarded as one of Malta's greatest players, Mifsud is the country's all-time leading scorer. Known for his speed and goal-scoring ability, he has earned numerous caps for the national team.
• David Carabott: A versatile midfielder and defender, Carabott earned over 120 caps for Malta and was a consistent presence in the national team during the 1990s and early 2000s.
• André Schembri: A forward and attacking midfielder, Schembri played for various clubs across Europe and was a key player for Malta during his international career.

Notable Coaches

• Horst Heese: A German coach who managed the Malta national team in the late 1990s, Heese is remembered for his efforts to improve the team's competitiveness.
• Pietro Ghedin: An Italian manager who had multiple stints with Malta, Ghedin is credited with instilling discipline and organization within the team.
• John Buttigieg: A former Maltese international player, Buttigieg took on the role of head coach and contributed to the development of younger players during his tenure.

While the Malta national soccer team has faced challenges on the international stage, their determination and love for the game continue to drive their efforts to achieve greater success in world soccer.