Malta men’s team moves up one place in FIFA rankings

The Malta men’s national team has moved up one place in the FIFA rankings which were published on Thursday. 

Malta now occupies the 167th place after gaining a total of 1.03 points.

These rankings take into consideration all games played since October, including the 2022 FIFA World Cup games which took place in Qatar. 

Malta managed to improve its ranking position after the prestigious draw against Greece (2-2) and the narrow defeat against Ireland (0-1). 

Malta is still in position number 51 in Europe, lying ahead of Moldova (174), Liechtenstein (198), Gibraltar (200) and San Marino (211). 

The next competitive commitment for the national team, now led by Michele Marcolini, is the UEFA EURO Group C Qualifier against North Macedonia (March 23) and three days after against Italy (March 26) at the Ta’ Qali National Stadium.  

World Cup winners Argentina have risen to second in the FIFA rankings with quarter-finalists Brazil still top.

Lionel Messi’s side, who lifted the trophy in Qatar on Sunday, move up one place, as do runners-up France, who are now third, with Belgium dropping to fourth.

Last weekend’s final was decided on penalties and if one side had won the match after 90 minutes then, according to FIFA regulations, they would have gone above Brazil.

Croatia have moved from 12th to 7th after finishing third in the tournament with fourth-placed Morocco now 11th as the highest positioned African nation.