Filipinas rise to record No. 49 in Fifa world rankings

Philippine women’s football team ahead of its match against Iceland in the Pinatar Cup. –FILIPINAS FACEBOOK PAGE

MANILA, Philippines–The Philippine women’s football team climbed to a record 49th spot in the latest women’s world rankings released by Fifa on Friday.

The World Cup-bound Filipinas moved four spots higher from the previous rankings that came out in December after taking part in the Pinatar Cup held a month ago in Spain.

Coach Alen Stajcic’s side lost three matches against highly-ranked European sides Wales, Scotland and Iceland, which went on to win the mini-tournament.

“It is a historic achievement that underlines the importance of collaboration between the [Philippine Football Federation], team management and coaching staff, and the dedication, discipline and sacrifice of the players,” the PFF said in a statement.

“Indeed, the rise of the Filipinas shows that belief, professionalism, structure, organization and technical knowledge and commitment of players can lead us into the right direction,” the PFF added, also thanking the Filipinas management led by team manager Jefferson Cheng.

The rankings came ahead of the team’s next campaign which will be the first round of qualification for the 2024 Paris Olympics.

The Filipinas will play in Group E along with host Tajikistan, Hong Kong and Pakistan.