The new rankings also saw New Caledonia and Vanuatu moving five places up to 155 and 157 respectively, after wins in their World Cup qualifying matches.
Roy Krishna celebrates his goal against Solomon Islands on October 10, 2024.
The Rob Sherman-coached Fiji men’s football jumped four places to become the second highest ranked team from Oceania Football Confederations at 146. This is their highest ranking since 2011.
Dubbed, the Bula Boys, they beat the Solomon Islands in the FIFA World Cup qualifiers to pass them in the rankings.
The Fijians have a chance of improving their rankings if they beat Papua New Guinea next month.
The new rankings also saw New Caledonia and Vanuatu moving five places up to 155 and 157 respectively, after wins in their World Cup qualifying matches.
At the other end, PNG continued its slide down the rankings to 171, its lowest position since 2018.
Fiji Football Association president Rajesh Patel expressed his delight at the ranking, calling it a testament to the hard work and commitment demonstrated by the players, coaching staff, and the entire football community in Fiji.
“This progress reflects the dedication and strategic efforts we have invested over the years to elevate Fijian football,” said Patel.
“It 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 natural occurrence of criticism but emphasized the need for unity.
“Constructive criticism is important and helps us reflect and improve,” Patel stated.
“However, we must also recognise the path to success is not always straightforward, and we will face challenges along the way.
“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 view the new ranking as a positive indicator of Fiji’s progress and reiterated that the journey to reaching the highest levels of football requires collective support.
He affirmed that Fiji FA is determined to continue building on this momentum and address any areas of improvement as part of its strategic plan to raise the standards of football in the nation.
Patel also extended his appreciation to the loyal supporters who have remained steadfast in their backing of the team.
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