The positive results in November – a 3-0 victory over Liechtenstein in a friendly match and a 3-1 win over Andorra plus a 1-1 draw against Faroe Islands in the final UEFA Nations League Group D1 matches – lifted Malta to 176th from 180th, marking an ascent of 10 places in the last two months.
Led by coach Devis Mangia, Malta are on a seven-match unbeaten run, stretching to September, and have gained a total of nine points to finish second in the UEFA Nations League Group D1.
With no fewer than 160 full internationals played in November, including qualifiers for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, CAF Africa Cup of Nations, and the UEFA EURO, the latest edition of the FIFA/Coca-Cola World Ranking sees plenty of movement.
While the podium remains unchanged, Belgium have widened the gap on their immediate pursuers France. Third-placed Brazil are closing in on Les Bleus after extending their perfect start in South American qualifying for Qatar 2022.
Despite the lack of movement at the summit, there are some familiar faces back in the top ten, with Mexico (9th, +2) and Italy (10th, +2) making their return after nine and four years respectively.
The next FIFA World Ranking will be published on 10 December 2020.
Photo: Domenic Aquilina
