Fiji Football Rises to New Heights: What’s Next for the Bula Boys?

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The Fiji men’s football team, coached by Rob Sherman, has risen four places in the rankings to become the second highest-ranked team from the Oceania Football Confederation at position 146, marking their highest ranking since 2011. Known as the Bula Boys, Fiji surpassed the Solomon Islands in the FIFA World Cup qualifiers, contributing to their improved standing.

Fiji has an opportunity to further enhance their ranking with an upcoming match against Papua New Guinea next month. In the latest rankings, New Caledonia and Vanuatu also saw improvements, climbing five spots to positions 155 and 157, respectively, following their victories in World Cup qualifying matches. Meanwhile, Papua New Guinea has continued to drop, now sitting at position 171, the lowest for the team since 2018.

Rajesh Patel, president of the Fiji Football Association, expressed his happiness regarding the ranking, highlighting it as a reflection of the dedication and hard work from players, coaching staff, and the wider football community in Fiji. Patel remarked that this progress demonstrates the strategic efforts made over the years to enhance Fijian football.

He noted, “This is the result of our long-term commitment to player development, coaching, and infrastructure. We have built a foundation for growth, and it’s paying off.” Patel acknowledged the role of constructive criticism while emphasizing the importance of unity and resilience.

“Our recent climb in the FIFA ranking is a clear sign that we are on the right track, and it should inspire belief in our vision for the future,” he stated. Patel urged critics to interpret the new ranking positively, affirming that achieving high standards in football requires collective support. He committed to leveraging this momentum to address areas for improvement and advance the standards of football in Fiji, while also expressing gratitude to the loyal supporters who have consistently backed the team.


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