Malta national team gains one place in FIFA rankings

The Malta national team has climbed one place in this month’s FIFA rankings.

Late last month, the national team were involved in two internationals that yielded mixed fortunes.

In fact, the team lost the decisive UEFA Nations League clash against Estonia 2-1 in Tallinn but then bounced back when they came from a goal down to beat Israel 2-1 in a friendly international at the National Stadium.

These results have seen Malta   move up to 168th place in the world after gaining a total of 3.24 points. 

The national team, who is still ranked 51st among European nations, stay ahead of Moldova (174), Liechtenstein (196), Gibraltar (204) and San Marino (211).

The national team can further improve its position next month when they play two international friendlies.

So far, the only friendly that has been confirmed is against Ireland that will be played at the National Stadium on November 20.

The next competitive commitment for the national team is the Euro 2024 qualifier away against North Macedonia on March 23 and at home against Italy on March 26.

A total of 53 UEFA Nations League matches and 119 friendlies were played in the last international break before the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 which begins on November 20.

As well as giving the 32 qualifiers for the upcoming world finals one last dress rehearsal, the matches also had an impact on the latest FIFA rankings.

Brazil, who will be bidding for a sixth world title, are currently ranked first in the rankings.

The Selecao beat Ghana and Tunisia in their two friendlies last month to widen their gap on their nearest challengers, Belgium (second), who lost to Netherlands (eighth) in the Nations League. Argentina complete the podium as they lie in third place.

Reigning world champions France are fourth ahead of England. The only change in the top 10 saw Italy (6th, plus 1) moving ahead of Spain.