The Fiji men’s football team, guided by coach Rob Sherman, has surged four spots to rank 146th, making them the second highest ranked team from the Oceania Football Confederation and achieving their best ranking since 2011. Known as the Bula Boys, Fiji’s recent victory over the Solomon Islands in the FIFA World Cup qualifiers has contributed to this advancement in the rankings.
The Fijian team has the opportunity to further improve its ranking when they face Papua New Guinea next month. Recent rankings have also seen New Caledonia and Vanuatu rise five positions to 155th and 157th, respectively, following their successful World Cup qualifying matches. Conversely, Papua New Guinea has seen a decline, falling to 171st, the lowest it has been since 2018.
Rajesh Patel, president of Fiji Football Association, expressed pride in the team’s ranking, describing it as a reflection of the players’ hard work, commitment, and the dedication of the entire football community in Fiji. “This progress highlights our dedication and strategic efforts over the years to uplift Fijian football,” Patel stated.
He emphasized that the ranking is the result of long-term investments in player development, coaching, and infrastructure, cementing a foundation for growth that is now yielding results. Patel also recognized the role of constructive criticism in fostering improvement but stressed the need for unity.
“Our recent climb in the FIFA ranking is a clear signal that we are on the right path, and it should inspire belief in our vision for the future,” he remarked. He encouraged critics to see the new ranking as a positive sign of Fiji’s progress and reiterated the commitment to addressing improvement areas in line with their strategic plan to enhance football standards in the nation. Additionally, Patel thanked the loyal supporters for their unwavering backing of the team.
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