Landing on 65th place 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.

In addition, Malditas are among seven national teams that will seize their highest position in the FIFA/Coca-Cola women’s world rankings at the end of 2020, joining Slovenia (48th), Northern Ireland (49th), Fiji (64th), Cuba (81st), Gambia (104th), and Comoros (139th).

“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 Philippine Football Federation president Mariano Araneta.

Malditas were able to bag 67th place from last year’s ranking after their semi-finals appearance in the biennial meet. 

However, the team missed major events in 2020 yet, was able to reach 65th after fourth-place finishes in the AFF Championship and the Southeast Asian Games last year.

And with a given scheme, Mariano averred that the victory of the Malditas showcases 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 propounded.

While the United States bagged the top position of the women’s world rankings, followed by Germany, France, Netherlands, and Sweden.