Football runs in the Carragher family, and now there’s a new international in town! Jamie Carragher took to social media to share his pride as his son, James Carragher, made his debut for the Malta national team.

The 22-year-old Wigan Athletic defender, who recently gained Maltese citizenship through his grandfather, was handed his first start in Malta’s opening 2026 World Cup qualifier against Finland. Wearing the number 18, James put in a solid shift at the back, helping Malta put on an impressive display despite a narrow 1-0 defeat.

Dad Jamie couldn’t contain his excitement, posting: “Very proud of (James) on your international debut. Didn’t deserve the loss son.” A legend in his own right, the former Liverpool defender and England international is now more than just a top pundit—he’s a proud football dad!

With his first cap in the bag, James Carragher’s journey with Malta is just beginning. And if his debut performance is anything to go by, there’s plenty more to come!

#MaltaDaily

Malta put on a spirited display in their opening 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier, pushing Finland to the limit despite being reduced to ten men. Though the match ended in a 1-0 loss, the Reds showed resilience, fighting until the final whistle and proving they are more than capable of competing at this level.

Under new coach Emilio De Leo, Malta started with energy and intent, testing Finland’s experienced goalkeeper Lukas Hradecky through early efforts from Joseph Mbong and Alex Satariano. Henry Bonello was once again a rock between the posts, denying Finland’s early attempts and keeping Malta in the game.

Even after Antman’s opener for Finland, Malta never backed down. They pressed forward with confidence, with Paul Mbong, Ilyas Chouaref, and Matthew Guillaumier leading dangerous attacks. The best chance for an equaliser came when Kyrian Nwoko found himself one-on-one with the keeper but narrowly missed the target.

Kurt Shaw’s late red card made the challenge even steeper, but Malta’s fighting spirit remained intact. With debutants Carragher and Chouaref stepping up, this match showcased the team’s potential and determination for the road ahead.

Though the result wasn’t in Malta’s favour, the performance was a testament to the team’s growth. If this game is anything to go by, Malta is set to make a real impact in this qualifying campaign.

#MaltaDaily