News

Revision of the World Ranking

Jun 18, 2018

The new formula, the Elo method of calculation adds/subtracts points (as opposed to averaging points) for individual matches to/from a team’s existing point total. The points which are added or subtracted are partially determined by the relative strength of the two opponents, including the logical expectation that teams higher in the ranking should fare better against teams lower in the ranking.

Elo ratings have been used in other sports for decades. A modified version of the Elo rating is currently in use for the FIFA Women’s World Ranking.

The SUM version developed specifically for the new FIFA/Coca Cola World Ranking was fine- tuned to reflect a number of FIFA’s considerations, including the following:

Adjusting the game weightings to give:
- less importance to friendly matches and more importance to final round competitions, such as the FIFA World Cup Finals
- more importance to knock-out stage matches than group stage matches in final competitions
Excluding losses in knock-out rounds of final competitions from the calculation

The formula for the SUM algorithm is as follows:

P = Pbefore + I * (W – We)

Pbefore: Points before the match

I: importance of match
I= 0.5 Friendly matches played outside of International Match Calendar windows
I= 1.0 Friendly matches played during International Match Calendar windows
I= 1.5 Group phase matches of Nations League competitions
I= 2.5 Play-off and final matches of Nations League competitions
I= 2.5 Qualification matches for Confederations final competitions and for FIFA World Cup final competitions
I= 3.5 Confederation final competition matches up until the QF stage
I= 4.0 Confederation final competition matches from the QF stage onwards; all FIFA Confederations Cup matches
I= 5.0 FIFA World Cup final competition matches up until QF stage
I= 6.0 FIFA World Cup final competition matches from QF stage onwards

W: result of the match
1 = win; 0.5 = draw; 0 = defeat

We: expected result of the match
We = 1 / (10(-dr/600) + 1), with dr=difference in ratings of the two playing teams, i.e. dr = [Pbefore of Team A – Pbefore of Team B]

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Setlhoko Appointed as FIFA Women’s Football Development Expert

FIFA has announced the appointment of Ms. Tsholofelo Setlhoko as a FIFA Women’s Football Development Expert, joining a global network of qualified professionals dedicated to the growth and development of women’s football worldwide. This prestigious appointment recognizes Ms. Setlhoko’s exceptional contributions to the sport and her commitment to advancing women’s football across Botswana and beyond.

Launched in 2020, the FIFA Women’s Football Development Programmes have been instrumental in strengthening women’s football through targeted support for Member Associations. With the recent relaunch of the programme in December 2024, FIFA aims to expand its impact across all 211 Member Associations, offering tailored assistance that reflects the unique contexts and needs of each nation.

In her role as a FIFA Women’s Football Development Expert, Ms. Setlhoko will leverage her vast experience in football administration, strategic planning, and grassroots development to support Member Associations in implementing sustainable growth strategies. Her leadership within the Botswana Football Association (BFA), particularly in spearheading initiatives for women’s football, has set a benchmark for development and community engagement.

“I am deeply honored to be appointed as a FIFA Women’s Football Development Expert. This is not only a personal achievement but a victory for women’s football in Botswana. I look forward to sharing best practices and supporting the growth of women’s football in other Member Associations,” said Ms. Setlhoko.

The President of the Botswana Football Association, Mr. Tariq Babitseng, also expressed his pride in Ms. Setlhoko’s achievement, stating, “Tsholofelo’s appointment is a testament to her dedication and hard work. Her expertise and passion for women’s football are unmatched, and we are confident that she will make a substantial impact globally.”

Ms. Setlhoko’s appointment marks a significant step forward in the representation of African women in global football development. As she embarks on this journey, she remains committed to championing women’s football and inspiring the next generation of female athletes and administrators.