Fiji’s men’s football team, coached by Rob Sherman, has made significant progress in the FIFA rankings, climbing four spots to reach 146, making them the second highest-ranked team from the Oceania Football Confederation. This marks their highest ranking since 2011.
Known as the Bula Boys, Fiji advanced in the rankings after defeating the Solomon Islands in the World Cup qualifiers. They have an opportunity to further enhance their position with a match against Papua New Guinea next month.
In the latest rankings, New Caledonia and Vanuatu also saw upward movement, each climbing five places to reach 155 and 157, respectively, following their victories in World Cup qualifying matches. Meanwhile, Papua New Guinea has experienced a decline, dropping to 171, the lowest it has been since 2018.
Rajesh Patel, president of the Fiji Football Association, expressed his happiness over the team’s ranking, highlighting it as a reflection of the hard work and commitment of the players, coaching staff, and the entire football community in Fiji. He stated, “This progress reflects the dedication and strategic efforts we have invested over the years to elevate Fijian football.”
Patel noted that the achievements are a result of long-term commitments to player development, coaching, and infrastructure, emphasizing that these foundational efforts are now yielding positive results. While acknowledging the presence of criticism, he encouraged unity, pointing out that constructive feedback is vital for reflection and improvement.
He remarked, “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.” Patel urged critics to see the new ranking as a positive signal of Fiji’s advancement and reminded everyone that reaching the highest levels in football requires collective support.
Moreover, he affirmed his commitment to continue building on this momentum while addressing areas for improvement as part of Fiji FA’s strategic plan to enhance football standards nationwide. Patel extended his gratitude to loyal supporters for their unwavering support of the team.
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