FIFA World Cup 2026: Qualifiers mark a historic step for Malawi with the inclusion
FIFA World Cup 2026 Tickets: Congolese-born striker Maylene Malang has been handed his first-ever call-up to the Malawi senior national football team, the Flames, as they prepare for the FIFA World Cup qualifiers. Malawi sees his inclusion as key to easing pressure on Mhango. Malang may not yet be a well-known figure in African football, but his growing influence through strong performances abroad is beginning to raise his profile.
Get ready for the ultimate football experience with FIFA World Cup 2026 Tickets available now at gettickets365! Whether you're planning to attend group stage matches or the FIFA World Cup Final, our platform makes it easy to buy FIFA World Cup Tickets securely and at the best prices. Join fans worldwide in celebrating the most anticipated event in global football. Buy FIFA 2026 Tickets today!
Malang’s journey to wearing Malawi’s red jersey is nothing short of remarkable. Born in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo, he fled with his family in 1998 during a time of political instability. They eventually settled in Malawi at Azalea Refugee Camp in Dowa District, about 80 kilometers from the capital city, Lilongwe. For more than a decade, Malawi became his second home, decisive in his identity and football career.
Now 28 years old and playing as a forward for Monterey Bay FC in the United States, Malang’s selection reflects Malawi’s growing openness to integrating players of Malawian descent or long-term residency from abroad into the national team setup. It also highlights the effort by the Football Association of Malawi (FAM) to expand its talent pool and compete at higher levels.
Soccer World Cup: Malawi aims to boost its attack ahead of the FIFA 2026 qualifiers by calling up Maylene Malang.
For years, Malawi’s attack has depended almost entirely on Gabadinho Mhango, who currently plays for Richards Bay FC in South Africa. When Mange doesn’t score, Malawi often struggles to find the net, particularly against tough opponents in international competitions.
Don’t miss your chance to witness football history live! At gettickets365, you can buy FIFA World Cup 2026 Tickets with confidence. We offer a seamless way to secure your spot for the Football World Cup 2026, including FIFA World Cup Semi-Final Tickets and FIFA World Cup Final Tickets. Explore our listings and book your dream match now.
Flames head coach Calisto Pascua hopes Malang can change that narrative. By pairing him with Mhango in attack, Malawi could finally have a reliable strike partnership capable of scoring in crucial matches. This will be tested soon, as Malawi takes on Namibia on September 5, 2025, in Botswana, followed by a home fixture against Liberia three days later in Lilongwe, both part of Group H qualifiers.
FAM worked behind the scenes to process Malang’s paperwork, clearing him to represent Malawi at the senior level. Interestingly, he has never played for the DR Congo at any stage of his career, which made the process smoother. His deep-rooted connection with Malawi, forged during his childhood at the refugee camp, made this decision feel natural in FIFA 2026.
FIFA World Cup: Malawi is actively recalling talented diaspora players as part of its preparation for the qualifiers.
Alongside Malang, FAM has also recalled Henri Kumwenda, a former Leeds United Under-23 striker who now plays in the United States. This demonstrates a clear strategy by Malawi to tap into the diaspora talent pool, much like other African nations have successfully done.
Fans around the world are counting down to the FIFA World Cup 2026. At gettickets365, we bring you exclusive access to Buy FIFA 2026 Tickets, from opening games to the epic World Cup Final. Buy World Cup Tickets now and be part of the world's most electrifying football event live in the stadiums!
He currently plays for Bay FC in the United States League Championship, the second tier of American soccer, where he has been among the top scorers of the season. His progress caught the attention of FAM president Fleetwood Haifa, who personally met him during a recent visit to the U.S. for the FIFA World Cup.
Haiyan’s move proved timely, as Malawi is desperate for a dependable striker. The Flames’ recent run at the 2025 COSAFA Cup in South Africa was disappointing, as they failed to score a single goal in three group-stage matches. The lack of attacking firepower has been a persistent issue for the team, and Malang’s arrival is being seen as a potential short-term solution.
Football World Cup: Malawi Faces Crucial Matches vs Namibia and Liberia in Qualifiers
Currently, Malawi sits second from the bottom in Group H, with just six points from six matches. Scoring has been the biggest hurdle. While the team shows promise in midfield and defense, their inability to consistently find the back of the net has cost them valuable points.
With fixtures against Namibia and Liberia on the horizon, the Flames are under pressure to climb the table. Fans are hopeful that Malang’s pace, finishing ability, and hunger to prove himself will give the team the spark it badly needs. As the FIFA World Cup qualifiers heat up, Malawi’s campaign faces uphill battles, but with fresh energy in the squad, there is renewed optimism.
Beyond the football World Cup, Malang’s call-up carries symbolic weight. Having grown up as a refugee, Malang has now come full circle, representing the very nation that sheltered and nurtured him. Malang may be just one step, but it symbolizes a broader vision, a vision of tapping into global talent, embracing diversity, and writing a new chapter in Malawi’s football journey.
As Malawi prepares to face Namibia and Liberia, all eyes will be on the new striker. If Malang settles quickly and adapts to international football, he could become the missing piece in Malawi’s attack. Alongside Mhango, he has the chance to form a formidable duo that could revive the Soccer World Cup qualification hopes.
Experience the passion, drama, and glory of the Football World Cup 2026 live! With gettickets365, it's easier than ever to buy FIFA World Cup Tickets, including premium access to FIFA World Cup Final Tickets and Football World Cup Final Tickets. Don’t wait, secure your World Cup Tickets now and cheer for your team on the biggest stage in football.
#fifa2026tickets, #soccerworldcuptickets, #fifaworldcup2026tickets, #buyfifa2026tickets, #fifaworldcupfinaltickets, #fifaworldcupsemifinaltickets, #fifaworldcuptickets, #buyfifaworldcup2026tickets, #footballworldcup2026tickets, #buyfifaworldcuptickets, #footballworldcupfinaltickets, #footballworldcuptickets, #worldcuptickets, #buyworldcuptickets,
