Following the Singapore men’s football team’s win over Hong Kong in the Asian Cup qualifying match on Nov. 18, the nation’s ranking has improved.
According to FIFA, Singapore currently ranks 151st in the world, moving up four spots from its previous rank at 155th.
Screenshot via FIFA
This is the Lions’ highest ranking since the final ranking of 2015, where they finished in 149th place.
Screenshot from FIFA.
On Nov. 17, Singapore beat Hong Kong 2-1 to qualify for the Asian Cup, earning them 9.94 points to bring their total up to 1040.43 and solidifying their spot at 151.
Meanwhile, Hong Kong’s ranking dropped from 148 to 153.
Historic
For the first time ever, Singapore earned its first-ever Asian Cup qualification on merit.
Shawal Anuar and Ilhan Fandi scored two goals as Singapore came from behind to secure a comeback win.
They will head to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, in 2027 to compete in the finals of the Asian Cup.
Following the historic feat, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, President Tharman Shanmugaratnam, and Acting Minister for Culture, Community and Youth David Neo took to Facebook to express their appreciation for the team’s efforts.
Football Association of Singapore (FAS) president Forrest Li announced at a media doorstop interview at Changi Airport on Nov. 19 that the team will receive around S$2 million in payout for their victory.
In his statement, Li said that the entire team “deserved” the payout, and there will be a “big reward”.
He said: “If you are a good footballer, you make the contribution to the country, you bring the pride and the joy back to all the Singaporeans, you deserve it, and you should be rewarded.”
Top photos via FAS/Facebook & FIFA
