All Whites Reach Highest World Football Ranking in Over a Decade

New Zealand's national football team, the All Whites, has achieved their highest FIFA ranking in over a decade, marking a significant milestone in the country's football history.

The All Whites have climbed to 82nd in the world rankings, a rise of four places, following their qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup and a notable victory over African champions Côte d'Ivoire in Canada. This achievement comes after a 23-place climb under the leadership of head coach Darren Bazeley, who took charge in 2023.

This is the highest ranking the team has reached since 2013, when they were ranked 79th. Bazeley expressed his optimism about the team's progress, stating, "We really believe in what we're doing as a team, so it's good to see that reflected in our new ranking, but we know we can still improve our position to better reflect where we feel this team should be."

The team has shown promising performances against higher-ranked teams, including draws with the Republic of Ireland, the USA, and Tunisia. However, the recent win over Côte d'Ivoire in Toronto has provided a significant boost in confidence, particularly as the team prepares for the upcoming World Cup.

Bazeley highlighted the importance of this win, saying, "The win over reigning African champions Côte d'Ivoire gives us real confidence that we can get results against big sides, which is hugely significant heading into the FIFA World Cup 2026."

Looking ahead, the All Whites have a packed schedule of international fixtures leading up to the World Cup in Canada, Mexico, and the USA. They will next face Australia in September, providing another opportunity to test their skills against top-tier teams.

While the All Whites are celebrating their progress, the global rankings show Argentina still at the top, followed by Spain and France. The biggest mover in the rankings was Costa Rica, who climbed 14 places to 40th.

This achievement is a testament to the team's hard work and the strategic direction under Bazeley. As the World Cup approaches, the All Whites are in a strong position to make a name for themselves on the world stage.