Malta women climbs one place in FIFA rankings

The Malta women’s national team has moved up one place in the FIFA rankings after the football’s governing body released the new positions for the month of March.

Now led by Manuela Tesse, the Maltese side are now in 87th position having acquired 2.39 points following their two consecutive victories against Luxembourg in February.

In fact, Italian coach Tesse started her tenure as Malta coach with a 2-1 and 3-1 wins against Luxembourg, ranked 118.

Malta’s next appointments will be in April where they are expected to face Estonia (down 95th), away.

Meanwhile, winners of the SheBelieves Cup for the sixth time, United States (1st) have consolidated top spot, while Germany (2nd) and Sweden (3rd), who played out a 0-0 draw in a friendly last month, remain in pursuit.

England (4th), stay in touch courtesy of their impressive triumph at the Arnold Clark Cup, which included victories over Italy (16th, up one place), Korea Republic (17th, down two) and Belgium (19th, up one).

France (5th), meanwhile, defeated Denmark (15th, up three) and Uruguay (66th, up one) on their way to winning the Tournoi de France, strengthening their place in the top five.

Australia (10th, up two) have battled their way back into the Top 10, largely due to their positive Cup of Nations results versus three formidable teams, Spain (7th), Jamaica (43rd, up one) and Czech Republic (27th, up one).

These successes augur well for the Matildas’ chances at the upcoming Women’s World Cup, which will be jointly hosted by their nation and Aotearoa New Zealand.

Cabo Verde (133rd) and Saudi Arabia (171st) are positioned a little further down, but the duo can still take immense pride in having joined the FIFA/Coca-Cola World Ranking for the first time.

Consequently, the March 2023 Ranking features 188 teams, which is ten more than at the same time last year.

The next rankings will be published on June 9.