Discover Malta - NAF World Cup Malta 2027

From luxury five-star coastal resorts overlooking St. George’s Bay to authentic, centuries-old Maltese stone farmhouses hidden in the rustic countryside, Malta offers the perfect backdrop for your World Cup campaign. Unwind after an intense day of tournament rounds by the pool, explore local heritage, and experience world-class Mediterranean hospitality. We’ve partnered with premier local venues to ensure every coach finds their perfect base of operations.

Essential Intel For the Trip

LOCAL SURIVAL TIPS

Before you deploy your squad onto the tournament pitches of Ta’ Qali, mastering the local terrain is your ultimate key to a flawless weekend campaign. Beyond the competitive strategy of the gridiron, navigating a foreign realm requires its own set of tactical advisories. From managing the intense Mediterranean climate to securing the right power source for your devices, a seasoned coach never goes into battle unprepared. Review these essential survival directives to ensure your team stays fully fueled, perfectly connected, and ready to face the elements as you journey through the historic streets of the Maltese island.

BEWARE THE SUN

The tournament venue is massive and beautifully sheltered, but stepping outside means facing intense Mediterranean heat. The Maltese sun can be brutal, especially if you’re marching between hotel hubs. Wear high-factor sunblock, bring decent shades, and keep your squad hydrated constantly throughout the weekend.

PLUG TYPE G (UK)

Don’t let your devices die right before a critical tournament match. Malta uses the UK standard 3-pin plug (Type G) running at 230V. If you are traveling from mainland Europe or across the pond, make sure to pack a few solid socket adapters so your tech stays fully charged for the tables.

NATIVE TONGUES

Navigating the island is an absolute breeze. While Maltese is the proud native language of the realm, almost everyone across the island speaks flawless, fluent English. You won’t need a translator scroll to order your transport, chat with locals, or secure a cold pint at the pub.

LEFT SIDE LUNACY

Navigating the local infrastructure requires a quick mental adjustment for most visiting players. Malta dictates driving on the left-hand side of the road, a remnant of historic realm rule. Whether you’re piloting a rental chariot, a team bus, or just crossing the street between matches, keep your wits about you. Always look right before stepping off the curb so you don’t get flattened by a speeding local transit vehicle before kickoff.

COINS OF THE REALM

Malta is firmly part of the European Union, meaning the official currency accepted everywhere across the island is the Euro (€). Plastic and contactless payments are widely supported at the venue and local establishments, but carrying a bit of physical coin is highly recommended for securing quick refreshments, local transport, or paying off biased referees.

Fueling the Squad

A Taste of Malta

Maltese cuisine is a beautiful reflection of the island’s heritage, incredibly satisfying, and deeply tied to local traditions. To truly understand Malta, you have to taste it. The island’s gastronomy is a unique blend of Mediterranean soul, British history, and North African spice. Here is your ultimate checklist of the iconic foods, drinks, and snacks you need to track down while exploring the archipelago.

Malta's ultimate flaky street food features diamond-shaped pastry pockets stuffed with savory ricotta or spiced mushy peas, best enjoyed piping hot straight from a paper bag. You can grab them for loose change at any neighborhood pastizzerija (like Maxims or Sphinx), but for the ultimate experience, head to Crystal Palace (Is-Serkin) in Rabat, which bakes them fresh around the clock.

This iconic ring-shaped, thick-crusted sourdough bread is traditionally rubbed with sweet tomato paste, drenched in olive oil, and packed with tuna, capers, and olives for that taste of a Maltese summer lunch. You can order it at local village band clubs and seaside kiosks. If you cross over to Gozo to try the famous wood-fired, pizza-style version at Maxokk Bakery or Mekren Bakery in Nadur.

The rich and deeply comforting national dish of Malta consists of a slow-cooked rabbit stew, simmered for hours in a red wine, garlic, and tomato sauce until the tender meat pulls completely off the bone. To experience an authentic, no-frills "Fenkata" (rabbit feast), head straight to the rural town of Mġarr and grab a table at legendary local spots like Il-Barri or Ta' L-Ingliż.

Large pockets of fresh pasta generously stuffed with local sheep's milk ricotta and mint, traditionally served swimming in a rich, garlic-infused tomato sauce. This comforting staple is readily available on the starter menu of almost any traditional restaurant in Valletta or Mdina, and can also be bought fresh or frozen to cook at home from local pasta makers.

This completely unique, bittersweet national soft drink is made from Mediterranean chinotto oranges and a secret blend of aromatic herbs, tasting like a refreshing, non-alcoholic twist on an Italian Aperol. It is a staple of Maltese culture and can be bought absolutely everywhere across the archipelago, from high-end Valletta restaurants and beach bars to tiny village grocery shops and vending machines.

The undisputed king of Maltese beers is a golden lager brewed on the island since 1929, loved for its crisp, refreshing taste that pairs perfectly with a warm evening by the Mediterranean Sea. It is available at literally every pub, beach kiosk, restaurant, or corner store on the island, just pull up a chair at any waterfront bar and ask for a "cold Cisk."

Malta's most beloved, iconic snack food is a bag of crunchy, baked rice-and-corn puffs coated in a distinctly savory, addictive cheese flavor that has fed generations of locals. They are the ultimate nostalgia trip and can be cheaply picked up at any local grocery store, gas station, mini-market, or major supermarket chain.

Top Sightseeing Realms

PLACES TO VISIT

Your World Cup stay doesn’t have to be limited to the MFCC. Malta’s compact size makes it easy to explore a dense mix of history, architecture, and coastal scenery in a short amount of time, even between tournament rounds.

The island offers distinctly different areas to visit depending on what you want to see. You can explore the steep streets and heavy fortification walls of the capital, Valletta, which was constructed by the Knights of St. John in the 16th century. For a quieter contrast, the medieval walled city of Mdina sits on a central hill and offers expansive views across the island’s countryside.

If you are looking to unwind after matches, the coast features everything from waterfront seafood dining in local fishing villages to deep-water bays and accessible rocky beaches. Whether you want to check out the island’s prehistoric sites, try local food, or just relax by the Mediterranean, there is plenty to fill your downtime.