The Fiji men’s football team, coached by Rob Sherman, has moved up four positions to be ranked 146th globally, becoming the second highest-ranked team from the Oceania Football Confederation. This marks their best ranking since 2011. Known as the Bula Boys, they advanced past the Solomon Islands in the FIFA World Cup qualifying matches.
Fiji has the opportunity to further enhance their ranking with a match against Papua New Guinea scheduled for next month. The latest rankings also reflect improvements for New Caledonia and Vanuatu, which moved up five spots to 155th and 157th respectively following victories in their qualifying games. Meanwhile, Papua New Guinea has continued to decline, dropping to 171st, its lowest position since 2018.
Rajesh Patel, president of the Fiji Football Association, expressed his pleasure at the team’s ranking, stating it is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the players, coaching staff, and the broader football community in Fiji. “This progress reflects the dedication and strategic efforts we have invested over the years to elevate Fijian football,” Patel remarked.
He emphasized that this achievement results from the sustained commitment to developing players, coaching, and infrastructure, which have established a strong foundation for growth. While acknowledging occasional criticism, Patel underscored the importance of unity in overcoming challenges.
“Constructive criticism is important and helps us reflect and improve,” he stated. “However, we must also recognize that the path to success is not always straightforward, and we will face challenges along the way.”
Patel sees the recent climb in the FIFA rankings as a clear indication that the team is on the right path and hopes it inspires belief in their future vision. He encourages critics to view the new ranking as a positive sign of Fiji’s progress and highlights the need for collective support in the journey toward achieving the highest levels of football.
He reaffirmed the Fiji FA’s commitment to building on this momentum and addressing areas for improvement as part of their strategic plan to elevate football standards in the country. Patel also expressed gratitude to the loyal supporters who have consistently backed the team.
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