Tesse Names Squad For Final World Cup Qualifiers Against Switzerland and Türkiye

Malta Women to face Switzerland away this Friday before hosting Türkiye on 9th June

Head Coach Manuela Tesse has named a squad of 23 players ahead of Malta's final fixtures in the 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup European Qualifiers.

Malta will first travel to Switzerland for an away fixture on Friday 5th June at the AIL Arena in Lugano, before returning home to host Türkiye at the Centenary Stadium on 9th June. The match against Switzerland kicks off at 19:30 local time, while the home encounter against Türkiye gets underway at 19:00.

Tesse has retained the core of players who have featured regularly throughout the qualifying campaign, with several foreign-based players once again included following positive seasons at club level.

However, Tesse’s selection is hampered by injuries to a number of established players. Stephania Farrugia, Rebecca Bajada, Sara Saliba and Leah Ayres remain sidelined with long-term injuries, while MFA Female Footballer of the year Yulya Carella is unavailable after sustaining a recent injury.

Captain Emma Lipman has been selected but will miss the opening fixture against Switzerland through suspension.

This month’s commitments will bring Malta's World Cup qualifying campaign to a close, with the girls side aiming to finish on a positive note against two strong opponents in Group B2.

Switzerland, currently among Europe's leading national teams, will provide a stern challenge away from home, while Malta will be looking to make the most of home advantage when they welcome Türkiye to the Centenary Stadium four days later.

TICKET SALES

Tickets for the home match against Türkiye on 9th June will be available for purchase at the door only on matchday.  No online tickets will be available.  

Malta Women’s Squad

Goalkeepers
Maya Cachia (Hibernians FC), Raisa Costantino (Pro Palazzolo, Italy), Giulia D’Antuono (Mġarr United FC) 

Defenders
Tammy Falzon (Swieqi United FC), Jade Flask (Swieqi United FC), Alexandra Gatt (York City Ladies, England), Oceane Grange (Freedom FC Women, Italy), Emma Lipman (Genoa CFC Women, Italy), Maya Lucia (Apollon Ladies FC, Cyprus), Emma Xuereb (Swieqi United FC)

Midfielders
Jana Barbara (VfR Warbeyen, Germany), Francesca Bartolo (Hibernians FC), Brenda Borg (Mġarr United FC), Leanne Cefai (Mġarr United FC), Rachel Cuschieri (Genoa CFC Women, Italy), Emma Flannery (Albion SC Las Vegas, US), Veronique Mifsud (Mġarr United FC), Shona Zammit (Swieqi United FC)

Forwards
Haley Bugeja (Inter Women, Italy), Nyorah Celeste (Hibernians FC), Maria Farrugia (Bristol City Women FC, England), Nicole Sciberras (Hibernians FC), Kailey Willis (Venezia Calcio Femminile, Italy)