News
Huraa Return to National Stadium Chasing Former Glory
The Dhivehi Premier League Qualifying Tournament gets underway today at the National Stadium, and few fixtures carry more contrasting stories than the meeting between Huraa Sports Club and Green Streets.
For Huraa, the match represents another step in a remarkable football revival. For Green Streets, it is an opportunity to prove they still belong among the country’s elite clubs.
Huraa’s Return to the Big Stage
There was a time when Huraa was one of the most respected names in Maldivian football.
The island produced Hurriyya Sports Club, one of the most successful teams in the history of the Dhivehi League. Hurriyya won multiple titles, lifted major domestic trophies and represented Maldives in regional competitions, becoming a symbol of football excellence for generations of supporters. In recent years, however, Huraa’s presence in top-level football faded.
That is now changing.
Competing under the Huraa name, the club has steadily climbed back through the football pyramid and secured qualification for this year’s DPL play-offs after winning the Central Region League. The achievement marks a significant milestone in the island’s football revival and has reignited hopes of seeing Huraa represented in the top division once again.
Huraa were officially crowned Central League champions after finishing ahead of their rivals and earning a place in the national qualification tournament. Their success has been built on consistency throughout the regional campaign and strong community support from the island.
Now, after years away from the national spotlight, Huraa are back at the National Stadium with a chance to complete their journey back to the Dhivehi Premier League.
Green Streets Under Pressure
If Huraa enter the tournament with momentum, Green Streets arrive carrying the weight of a difficult season.
The Malé-based club finished eighth in the Dhivehi Premier League and were forced into the qualification tournament after narrowly avoiding direct relegation. Their league campaign was overshadowed by controversy after they failed to fulfil their final fixture of the season, a decision that sparked widespread debate across Maldivian football. Although Green Streets retained their top-flight status through regulations, the incident damaged the club’s reputation and intensified scrutiny on the team.
Instead of comfortably securing their Premier League place, Green Streets now find themselves battling regional champions hungry for promotion.
The club still possesses valuable experience from competing at the highest level, but confidence has been shaken after a difficult year. Anything less than a strong showing in the play-offs could see Green Streets lose their place among the country’s top clubs.
A Clash of Ambition and Survival
Today’s match is more than just the opening fixture of the play-offs.
For Huraa, it is a chance to show that one of Maldivian football’s traditional strongholds is ready to return to the top tier.
For Green Streets, it is a fight to preserve their Premier League status and silence the criticism that has followed them throughout the season.
One club is chasing a dream of restoration. The other is battling to avoid a painful fall.
When the two sides step onto the National Stadium pitch this afternoon, both will know that the road to the 2026-27 Dhivehi Premier League begins with this crucial encounter.
News
TC Sports Cruise Past Dhidhdhoo with Convincing 3-0 Victory
TC Sports produced an impressive display to defeat Dhidhdhoo 3-0 in the DPL Qualifiers 2026/27, securing an important three points and strengthening their position in the competition.
From the opening whistle, TC Sports looked the more dangerous side, controlling possession and creating several promising opportunities in the attacking third. Their pressure eventually paid off as they found the breakthrough, giving them a deserved lead and setting the tone for the remainder of the match.
Dhidhdhoo attempted to respond and searched for an equaliser, but TC Sports remained organised at the back and limited their opponents’ chances. The midfield battle was largely dominated by TC Sports, who continued to dictate the tempo and move the ball effectively.
The second half followed a similar pattern, with TC Sports maintaining their attacking intent. Their persistence was rewarded with a second goal that provided breathing space and put Dhidhdhoo under further pressure. As the match progressed, TC Sports continued to threaten and eventually added a third goal to seal a comprehensive victory.
At the final whistle, TC Sports emerged as comfortable 3-0 winners, capping off a strong all-round performance at both ends of the pitch. The result gives them valuable momentum as the DPL Qualifiers 2026/27 continue, while Dhidhdhoo will look to bounce back in their upcoming fixtures.
News
Maldives Slip One Place in Latest FIFA Rankings, Remain Ahead of Regional Rivals
The Maldives national football team has dropped one place in the latest FIFA Men’s World Rankings, moving from 172nd in April 2026 to 173rd in the June 2026 rankings.
The latest rankings were released ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026, reflecting international results from recent months.
Despite the slight decline, the Maldives continue to maintain a higher ranking than several South Asian rivals. Bangladesh currently occupy 181st place, while Pakistan, fresh from winning the Diamond Jubilee International Football Tournament held in Malé, have climbed from 202nd in April to 198th in June.
Within the South Asian region, India remain the highest-ranked nation at 138th in the world, continuing their position as the region’s football powerhouse. Afghanistan are ranked 169th, placing them just ahead of the Maldives.
The rankings underline the competitive nature of South Asian football, with several nations making gradual progress on the international stage. Pakistan’s rise follows an impressive run in the Diamond Jubilee tournament, while Bangladesh continue to hold a position within the world’s top 200 teams.
For the Maldives, the latest ranking serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining positive results in international fixtures as the national team prepares for upcoming regional competitions. A strong showing in future tournaments could help the Red Snappers regain lost ground and climb back up the FIFA ladder.
SAFF Region – FIFA Rankings (June 2026)
- India – 138
- Maldives – 173
- Nepal – 177
- Bangladesh – 181
- Bhutan – 186
- Sri Lanka – 191
- Pakitan 198
Nepal remain one of the Maldives’ closest competitors in the regional standings, occupying 177th place in the latest FIFA rankings. Bhutan are ranked 186th, while Sri Lanka sit in 191st position after recent improvements in their international performances. Pakistan, despite winning the Diamond Jubilee International Football Tournament in Malé, remain 198th in the world, although they have climbed four places since April.
News
Gadhdhoo Edge Huraa 2-1 to Boost DPL Qualification Hopes
Gadhdhoo secured an important 2-1 victory over Huraa in the DPL Qualifiers 2026/27, strengthening their hopes of progressing from the qualification stage after a hard-fought encounter.
The match began at a lively pace, with both sides looking to take control early on. Huraa enjoyed spells of possession and attempted to dictate the tempo, but Gadhdhoo remained organized and dangerous on the counterattack.
The breakthrough came in the first half when Gadhdhoo capitalized on a defensive lapse to open the scoring. The goal gave them confidence and forced Huraa to push forward in search of an equalizer.
Huraa responded positively and created several opportunities, eventually finding the back of the net to bring the match level. The equalizer energized the contest and set up an exciting second half with both teams chasing a winning goal.
As the game entered its decisive stages, Gadhdhoo showed greater efficiency in front of goal. A well-worked attacking move resulted in their second goal of the evening, restoring their advantage and putting Huraa under pressure.
Despite late efforts from Huraa to salvage a point, Gadhdhoo’s defense stood firm. The final whistle confirmed a valuable 2-1 victory for the island side, earning them three crucial points in their DPL Qualifiers campaign.
The result leaves Gadhdhoo in a strong position as the competition progresses, while Huraa will look to bounce back in their remaining fixtures. With qualification spots at stake, every point remains vital in the race for promotion to the Dhivehi Premier League.
-
Opinion2 weeks agoFrom the Brink of Extinction to Global Recognition
-
News2 weeks agoAmdhan Ali Calls for Unity and Focus After Afghanistan Defeat
-
News2 weeks agoGadhdhoo Complete Perfect South Region League Campaign
-
News2 weeks agoGadhdhoo Crowned South Region League Champions
-
News2 weeks agoGadhdhoo One Win Away from BML South Region League Title
-
News2 weeks agoOdi Sports Club Opens Trials for U19 Youth Championship
-
News2 weeks agoImran Reflects on Golden Jubilee Memories as Maldives Prepares for Diamond Jubilee Tournament
-
News7 days agoDhidhdhoo Edge Gadhdhoo to Make Winning Start in DPL Qualifiers

