Malaysia climbs 16 places in the FIFA 2025 rankings, surpassing Thailand in Southeast Asia.
Malaysia concluded 2025 with five consecutive wins in Group F of the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers, rising to 116th in the FIFA rankings (1168.41 points), a jump of 16 places – the biggest improvement in Southeast Asia.
Malaysia concludes 2025 as a story of Southeast Asian football's rise: climbing to 116th in the FIFA rankings with 1168.41 points, a 16-place increase from the end of 2024 (1116 points) – the biggest improvement in the region. This surge was capped off with a 1-0 victory over Nepal in the fifth match of Group F, 2027 Asian Cup Qualifiers, helping them maintain their top spot with five wins out of five matches and create a three-point gap over Vietnam.
Behind the jump in rankings lies a year of consistent performance under coach Peter Cklamovski. Beyond just the results, Malaysia has shown an improvement in team spirit and organization, becoming a formidable opponent in the region.
FIFA Rankings: Malaysia accelerates, leading the region in improvement.
With 1168.41 points and a world ranking of 116, Malaysia is the Southeast Asian team with the biggest leap this year. Thailand only rose 2 places (from 97 to 95), Indonesia rose 5 places (currently 122), while the Philippines made a notable jump of 14 places (from 150 to 136).
| Team | Current FIFA ranking | Increase in 2025 | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Malaysia | 116 (1168.41 points) | +16 steps | From 1116 points at the end of 2024 |
| Thailand | 95 | +2 steps | From 97 to 95 |
| Indonesia | 122 | +5 steps | |
| Philippines | 136 | +14 steps | From 150 to 136 |
Campaign 2025: Win against Nepal to complete a 5/5 streak
The 1-0 victory against Nepal in the fifth matchday of Group F not only maintained their perfect winning streak but also affirmed Malaysia's ability to manage risk at crucial moments. With the top spot and a 3-point lead over Vietnam, they have created an important buffer zone before the final matchday.
The mark from the coaching bench.
Under the guidance of coach Peter Cklamovski, the team has maintained consistent performance and high team spirit. Clear game plan and effective group management have helped Malaysia translate on-field results into FIFA points, thereby pulling ahead of regional rivals in 2025.
Ahead: the test against Vietnam
The final qualifying match against Vietnam on March 25, 2026, will be the ultimate test for this campaign. With their improved ranking and consistent results, Malaysia has the opportunity to consolidate their position in Southeast Asia and aim for bigger goals at the 2027 Asian Cup. After a breakthrough year, they are not only a formidable opponent in the region but are also gradually establishing their place on the Asian football map.
