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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.