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Gibraltar in World Cup qualification: change of coach and new hope!
Gibraltar starts its third World Cup qualification in 2025, fights against setbacks and presents a new coach.
Gibraltar in World Cup qualification: change of coach and new hope!
On June 6, 2025, Gibraltar starts its third World Cup qualifier and is attracting attention because the football association is confronted with an alarming negative trend. So far, the Gibraltars' qualifying cycles have ended with 20 defeats and a goal difference of 7:90. This trend has continued under coach Julio Cesar Ribas, who also announced the current nomination for the UEFA Nations League. The last two games ended with a 3-1 defeat against Montenegro and a 4-0 defeat against the Czech Republic, increasing concerns for the national team.
Before these setbacks, however, Gibraltar had a seven-game unbeaten streak that gave hope. This unbeaten run included a goalless draw against Wales, as well as wins against Andorra and San Marino and three draws in the Nations League. Now the team has the opportunity to fight for promotion to the Nations League against Latvia next March.
Change of coach and formation
New coach Scott Wiseman resigned from his position with the women's team just two days ago after they finished last in their group with a goal difference of 0-30. Wiseman has previously managed both the men's and women's national teams. The current season has accelerated for Gibraltar as they have already recorded two defeats.
Julio Ribas has announced a provisional squad for the UEFA Nations League, with Gibraltar playing in League C. In the coming days, the team will play four games in ten days: on June 2nd against Georgia, on June 5th against North Macedonia, on June 9th against Bulgaria and again on June 12th against North Macedonia. The rhythms of the games are challenging and key factors for the further course of the qualification.
Young talent and injuries
Squad news includes the return of Dayle Coleing from injury, as well as the introduction of several young players. These include Bradley Avellano (19 years old), Harry Victor (18 years old) and Nicholas Pozo (17 years old), who plays for Balón de Cádiz. These young talents will also be used for the U21 team as it prepares for the European Championships.
A significant exemption applies to Jayce Olivero, who is suspended for the first game against Georgia. Players like Woking FC's Louie Annesley and Mons Calpe FC's Ethan Santos are expected on the pitch, while Europa FC's Christian Lopez is expected to take up the goalkeeper position.
Lineup for World Cup qualification
In a recent game against the Czech Republic, which was part of the World Cup qualifiers, coach Ribas' line-up was as follows:
| position | player |
|---|---|
| goal | Banda |
| Defence | Ronan, Lopes, Annesley, Britto |
| midfield | de Barr, Bent, Scanlon |
| Storm | Jessop, El Hmidi, Richards |
The substitutions particularly affected players like P. McClafferty, who came on for Lopes in the 25th minute, while K. Mauro replaced Britto in the 52nd minute. With these lineups and the expected developments, the team hopes to break the negative trend and surprise the Gibraltars with better play and results. Further details about the upcoming games can be found on the websites Cosmo, 8directo and Kicker visible.