Malta climbed one place in the FIFA/ Coca-Cola World Ranking and is now ranked 174th.

Malta did not play any matches since the European Qualifiers in November but will be in action next month, hosting Azerbaijan and Kuwait in two friendly matches on March 25 and 29.

Another friendly match should be played early in June before the first Nations League game against San Marino away from home on June 5. Malta then hosts Cyprus or Estonia on June 9 and San Marino on June 12. Malta plays the last game from the UEFA Nations League on September 23 away from home to Cyprus or Estonia. A game which should be followed by another friendly match a few days later.

Among the other European countries, Malta is placed 51st followed by Moldova (181), Liechtenstein (191), Gibraltar (203) and San Marino (210). The other possible opponents for Malta in the UEFA Nations League – Cyprus and Estonia are ranked 105th and 106th respectively.

Malta’s opponents next month, Azerbaijan and Kuwait, are ranked 121st and 146th respectively.

Meanwhile after winning their first CAF Africa Cup of Nations title last weekend, Senegal continued their ascent into the upper echelons of world football. In fact, the Lions of Teranga have climbed to 18th in this February’s edition of the FIFA/Coca-Cola World Ranking, their highest ever position. Unsurprisingly, the Cup of Nations generated most the movement seen in the year’s first edition of the Ranking.

Argentina (4th, + 1) used the international window to take fourth place from England (5th, – 1), following impressive results in the South American qualifiers. Belgium (1, unchanged) remain in pole position ahead of Brazil (2, unchanged) and France (3, unchanged).