The Libyan national football team maintained its position in the latest FIFA world rankings, released Thursday.
Libya’s national team ranks 120th globally for January 2024, the same as December 2023. This ranking follows three friendly matches played in January during the team’s external training camp in Turkey and Egypt.
In Turkey, the Mediterranean Knights won against Indonesia 4-0 and 2-1 in two friendly matches. During the Egypt camp, the national team defeated Kuwait 3-1 in the third friendly match.
With these results, the national team’s points tally rises to 1159.51, up by 4.28 points from last month’s FIFA ranking of 1155.23.
The Libyan national football team, nicknamed the Mediterranean Knights, has a history of fluctuating fortunes in international football. They reached their pinnacle in 1982 by qualifying for the African Cup of Nations (AFCON) where they finished as runners-up.
Although they have never qualified for the FIFA World Cup, the team has shown resilience and potential in African football. The squad often comprises players from both local Libyan leagues and various international clubs, blending experience and emerging talent.
In December, head coach of the Libyan national football team, Milutin Micho Sredojević has unveiled his ambitions for the World Cup qualifiers. “We have a realistic goal, which is to qualify for the 2026 World Cup and the Africa Cup of Nations,” he stated.
He emphasised that “Libyan talents have the potential to achieve this goal, and what is needed is continuous effort and attention in the upcoming period.”
Earlier, the Libyan Football Federation (LFF) announced the appointment of Micho as Head Coach of the national football team. Micho had a stint with Egypt’s Zamalek in 2019, where he secured the Egyptian Cup title by defeating Pyramids FC.
In June 2023, the former coach of the Libyan national football team, Hamdi Battaw resigned after failing to qualify for the AFCON.
Libyan Football Team Ranked 120th by FIFA
