COLOMBO, Sri Lanka, July 15 (ePRESS) – Sri Lanka’s men’s football team have jumped four places in the latest FIFA World Rankings, climbing to 196th position – their highest ranking in recent years – following two back-to-back international victories last month.
The national team, under a renewed setup and leadership, secured a 3-1 win over Chinese Taipei in the Asian Cup 2027 Qualifiers and edged out Brunei 1-0 in another crucial FIFA International Friendly match. These results helped Sri Lanka rise from 200th to 196th in the world list, breaking a long-standing spell at the bottom end of the table.
The recent success marks a promising shift in Sri Lanka’s footballing direction, with the team now composed of players from both local and overseas backgrounds. This transformation follows the strategic changes brought by the new administration led by Football Sri Lanka (FSL) President Jaswar Umar.
“It’s a great moment for the country,” said FSL President Jaswar Umar. “Our plan to bring in talented players from around the world with Sri Lankan roots is starting to show real results.”
Sri Lanka had struggled for years in international football, often failing to make an impact in regional competitions and languishing at the bottom of the FIFA Rankings. However, the recent victories not only earned crucial points, but have also injected new belief into the team and its supporters.
The football community across the island has welcomed the improvement, hailing the mix of youth, experience, and international exposure in the squad. The coaching staff led by Abdullah Al Mutairi has also received praise for instilling tactical discipline and confidence among the players.
While Sri Lanka remains far from the top tier of world football, the latest ranking gain is a clear signal that the team is moving in the right direction.
More challenges lie ahead, but with momentum on their side and a renewed sense of purpose, Sri Lanka’s footballers are dreaming bigger than ever.
