The Philippines has gained some ground in the latest edition of the FIFA women’s rankings.
Since the previous rankings were published last September, the Philippines has moved up three spots to number 69 in the world, just behind Tunisia and in front of Morocco, despite not earning any points from playing international matches in between.
It is the highest rank that the Philippine women’s team has achieved to date. Its worst ranking was 128 in 2010, but has been steadily improving since. For the past two years, the Philippines has finished in 80th place by year’s end.
The movement also means that the Philippines has improved its regional rankings, going two places up to 14th best in Asia — sandwiched between Hong Kong and Bahrain — and one better in Southeast Asia — now in fourth place behind Thailand, Vietnam, and Myanmar.
The rise in the rankings has been aided by nine countries dropping out of the rankings due to “prolonged inactivity”, according to FIFA. This allowed other countries such as the Philippines to attain best-ever positions.
The next edition of rankings will be published in March.
Photo by MYANMAR FOOTBALL FEDERATION
