Sri Lanka reach 200 in FIFA Rankings after 8 years
Sri Lanka Men’s football team has moved up to the 200th position in the FIFA World Rankings after almost eight years, breaking free from a long stay at 205th. The team had slipped to 205th in June 2024 after reaching 204th in November 2023.
Previously, Sri Lanka was ranked as low as 207th in April 2023, before making its way back to the top 200. This recent rise is attributed to their victory against Cambodia, which also marked their first win without any losses in several matches. Cambodia, currently ranked 180th in the world, despite the 2-4 loss to Sri Lanka, has managed to hold onto their position in the new rankings.
Sri Lanka’s football administration has faced political challenges, notably after the suspension of the football governing body due to the actions of former Sports Minister Roshan Ranasinghe. Issues in governance and lack of international match opportunities also hindered progress.
In the latest rankings, Sri Lanka stands out among South Asian nations, now sitting higher than all other teams except Maldives, ranked 163rd. India, previously the leader among South Asian teams, has dropped from 124th to 126th. Overall, Sri Lanka’s ability to rise in the rankings while others fall is a significant achievement for the team and reflects their potential for future success.
With that set in mind Football Sri Lanka revealed that it has made arrangements to organise international friendlies against regional opponents in the coming months. In October, Sri Lanka will play two games against Myanmar, on home and away basis, while Bangladesh, Singapore and Maldives were approached without success.
It is now revealed that Sri Lanka is planning to host a tri-nation with Tajikistan and Nepal involved during November, but discussions are yet to finalise the status of the development.
Over the past 12 months, Sri Lanka made steady progress with the addition of a fleet of nearly 14 professional players based in Europe and other top circuits in the world. Blending the nearly 20 local talents alongside the professionals, who are eligible to represent Sri Lanka through their parental connection, has given dividends for the island nation.
In eight international outings,
Sri Lanka achieved two wins – against Cambodia 4-2 and Bhutan 2-0 – with three draws and three defeats. With the recent double-header success, where they won by an aggregate of 4-2 on penalties after two draws (0-0, 2-2) against Cambodia, Sri Lanka will qualify for the third round of the AFC Asian Cup, where 24 teams are in fray.
The intended friendlies against Myanmar and the tri-nation involving Tajikistan and Nepal, will be an added advantage for Sri Lanka in their lead up to the next stage of AFC Asian Cup in March and the upcoming SAFF Cup. With six each games in the AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers and the SAFF Cup, Sri Lanka possess the possibility of enhancing further in the FIFA global rankings.