The Philippines recorded its highest position ever in women’s football after jumping to 65th in the latest FIFA world rankings.
Despite failing to see action this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the national squad was able to move two places higher in the final rankings for 2020.
The jump made the Philippines the 11th best nation in Asia and third in the Southeast Asian region, trailing only 2019 Southeast Asian Games gold medalist Vietnam and Thailand.
“The ranking is a reward for the hard work and sacrifices of the people involved in women’s football in the country especially the players and coaches and of course, the PFF Women’s Committee,” said PFF president Nonong Araneta in a statement.
“Certainly, this is a clear indication that women’s football in the country is continuously improving. As much as we are proud of this achievement, this also serves as a challenge for the PFF to make sure that the women’s national team and women’s football in general is given the support and the platform to succeed,” he added.
The lady booters have not seen action since a 2-1 defeat to Myanmar for bronze in the SEA Games last December.
The country was supposed to host the ASEAN Football Federation Women’s Championship but was moved to 2021 due to the pandemic.