Fiji has made a significant leap in the latest FIFA World Ranking, rising four spots to become the second highest ranked team in the Oceania region. The Bula Boys, coached by Rob Sherman, are now ranked 146th, marking their best position since 2011.
This advancement comes on the heels of Fiji’s recent victory over the Solomon Islands, where they secured a 1-0 win on October 10 during the FIFA World Cup qualifiers, allowing them to surpass their rivals in the rankings.
In a parallel development, New Zealand has also improved its standing, climbing to 91st in the rankings, their highest position since 2016, thanks to successful matches against Tahiti and Malaysia. Additionally, New Caledonia and Vanuatu both achieved five-position increases, now ranking 155th and 157th respectively, following their wins in World Cup qualifying matches. Conversely, Papua New Guinea has faced a downturn, slipping to 171st, its lowest rank since 2018.
The top tier of teams globally remains closely contested. Argentina retains the top spot, but their lead over France and Spain, ranked second and third, has diminished. England, Brazil, and Belgium continue to hold their fourth, fifth, and sixth places respectively. Portugal and Italy have made modest gains, moving up to seventh and ninth, while the Netherlands and Colombia have dropped to eighth and tenth. Germany is in close pursuit, rising two spots to 11th.
The next FIFA/Coca-Cola World Ranking is set to be released on November 28, 2024.
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