Philippine Women’s National Football Team improves to no. 38 in FIFA rankings

By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña

The Philippine Women’s National Football Team’s resurgence in the international football scene continues after skyrocketing their FIFA world ranking confirmed last December 15, 2023.

After a stellar 2023 playing calendar schedule, the Filipinas improved to a world no. 38 ranking in the FIFA women’s category.

The Filipinas jumped six places higher from their world no. 44 ranking and completed its mission of ending 2023 with a bang.

Their huge point boost came from their qualification during the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup while also winning several Olympic qualifying tournaments in the past three months.

Last October 26, 2023, the Filipinas dominated Chinese Taipei during their first game of the 2024 AFC Women’s Olympic Qualifying Tournament, 4-1.

After their huge win over Chinese Taipei, the Filipinas edged Iran, 1-0, last November 1, 2023, held in Perth, Australia.

Despite failing to move on in the playoff round of the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, the Filipinas still made history after qualifying in the prestigious tournament for the first time.

The Filipinas then put the cherry on top of their FIFA World Cup campaign after clinching their first-ever victory over New Zealand, 1-0.

Sarina Bolden saved the day for team PHL after scoring the lone goal of the match, 1-0, during the 24th minute of the first half

After a perfectly placed cross pass from the right side of the pitch, Bolden timed her header to give the PHL a 1-0 lead entering the second half.

The Filipinas will be aiming to achieve more this 2024 and will have a ton of international football competitions to join from January to September.