Sri Lanka Climbs Three Places in FIFA Rankings After 3-1 Win Over Chinese Taipei
Sri Lanka’s national football team has climbed three places in the latest FIFA World Rankings following an impressive 3-1 victory over Chinese Taipei in the AFC Asian Cup 2027 Qualifiers.
The latest ranking update sees Sri Lanka move from 194th to 191st in the world with 871.82 ranking points. The rise comes after one of the country’s strongest recent performances, as the national side produced an assured display away from home to secure all three points.
The match, played at the Taipei Municipal Stadium on Tuesday, saw Sri Lanka take control early and never allow the hosts back into the contest.
Rahul Suresh opened the scoring in the 18th minute to give Sri Lanka a deserved lead. Just eight minutes later, Niloshan Senthurvasan doubled the advantage after another well-worked move, putting Sri Lanka firmly in command before half-time.
Sri Lanka continued to press after the break and extended the lead in the 53rd minute when Chinese Taipei defender Christopher Tiao turned the ball into his own net under pressure.
Chinese Taipei pulled one goal back only two minutes later through Yu Yao-hsing, but Sri Lanka remained composed and comfortably saw out the remainder of the match to record a memorable 3-1 victory.
The result is particularly significant given the recent progress made by Sri Lankan football. Over the past 18 months, the national team has steadily improved in the FIFA rankings, climbing from 207th in the world to 191st.
The latest rise also reflects the growing confidence within the squad under head coach Abdullah Al Mutairi. Sri Lanka have now recorded consecutive away victories and shown far greater consistency than in previous qualification campaigns.
Although Sri Lanka will not advance from Group D of the AFC Asian Cup qualifiers, the team’s performances against Chinese Taipei have provided plenty of encouragement for the future. Sri Lanka defeated Chinese Taipei 3-1 in both meetings during the campaign, proving they can compete strongly against higher-ranked opposition.
Thailand and Turkmenistan finished above Sri Lanka in Group D, while Chinese Taipei ended the group at the bottom of the standings.
For Sri Lankan football supporters, the rise to 191st is more than just a number. It is another sign that the national team is moving in the right direction, with improved performances, better organization and growing belief among the players.
With more international fixtures scheduled later this year, Sri Lanka will now look to continue its upward momentum and push even closer towards the top 190 in the FIFA rankings.
