Following the 2-0 defeat to England last month, Malta slipped one place in the Coca-Cola/FIFA World Rankings and is now ranked 172nd.

In Europe, Malta is ranked 52nd, just behind Andorra (163) and ahead of Gibraltar (201), Liechtenstein (203) and San Marino (210).

Malta is due to play friendly matches in March and May/June before the UEFA Nations League commitments in September, October and November. The draws for the UEFA Nations League will be held on February 8.

Meanwhile, the FIFA World Cup 26™ qualifiers taking place in Africa, Asia and South America, the UEFA EURO 2024 qualifying matches, Concacaf Nations League 2023-24 encounters and the Pacific Games 2023 have all had a significant effect on the FIFA/Coca-Cola World Ranking, including on the make-up of the podium.

Although Argentina (1st) still lead the way ahead of France (2nd), England (3rd, up 1) are now in the trio of teams at the front of the pack, followed by Belgium (4th, up 1), who have also climbed one place. Although Brazil (5th, down 2) have lost ground following back-to-back defeats by Colombia and Argentina, they have clung on to their place in the top 5.