Philippine Football Federation officials congratulated the Philippine Men’s National Team after the team garnered its highest FIFA ranking at 113th last Thursday 12 April 2018.
The rankings boost, which saw the Philippines move up by 9 places from 122nd last month, came at a very opportune time. Previously the Philippines’ highest FIFA ranking was 115th last May 2016.
The Philippines qualified for their first ever AFC Asian Cup appearance after a thrilling 2-1 win over Tajikistan last 27 March 2018 in front of a packed crowd at the Rizal Memorial Stadium.
Following the rankings update, the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has placed the Philippines in Pot 4 for the 2019 Asian Cup Final Draw which will be held on 4 May 2018 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
“We congratulate the Philippine Men’s National Team for claiming their highest FIFA ranking to date at 113th,” said PFF president Mariano Araneta Jr. “The team’s achievement is a fitting testament to how far Philippine football has improved in a short span and we hope that it will sustain.”
“It is another historic milestone for Philippine football,” said PFF general secretary Atty. Edwin Gastanes. “It shows that football in the country is on ascendancy brought on by the achievements not just by the Men’s team, but by the Women’s team as well.”