The Fiji men’s football team, coached by Rob Sherman, has risen four spots in the rankings, now sitting at 146 and becoming the second highest-ranked team from the Oceania Football Confederation. This marks their best ranking since 2011.
Known as the Bula Boys, Fiji secured their place by defeating the Solomon Islands in the FIFA World Cup qualifiers, moving ahead of them in the standings.
The team has an opportunity to further improve their ranking if they can secure a win against Papua New Guinea next month.
In the latest rankings, New Caledonia and Vanuatu each climbed five positions, reaching 155 and 157 respectively, following their victories in World Cup qualifying matches.
Conversely, Papua New Guinea has seen a decline in their ranking, now positioned at 171, which is their lowest since 2018.
Fiji Football Association president Rajesh Patel expressed his joy regarding the ranking, viewing it as a reflection of the hard work and dedication shown by the players, coaching staff, and the entire football community in Fiji.
“This progress demonstrates the commitment and strategic investments we have made over the years to promote Fijian football,” said Patel.
He noted that the achievement is due to long-term efforts in player development, coaching, and improving infrastructure, establishing a solid foundation for future growth.
Patel recognized that criticism is common but underscored the importance of unity within the community. He stated that while constructive criticism can aid in reflection and improvement, the path to success is often filled with challenges.
“Our recent rise in the FIFA rankings is a clear indication that we are moving in the right direction, and it should encourage confidence in our vision for the future,” Patel emphasized.
He encouraged critics to see the new ranking as a sign of progress for Fiji and reiterated that achieving the highest levels of football will require collective support.
Patel affirmed the Fiji FA’s commitment to maintaining this momentum while also addressing areas needing improvement as part of their strategic plan to enhance football standards in the country. He also expressed gratitude to the dedicated supporters who have consistently backed the team.
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