THE Philippines moved up three spots to No. 46 in the latest FIFA women’s rankings, the country’s all-time high.

In the latest rankings released Friday night, the World Cup-bound Filipinas are the third-best in Southeast Asia and No. 8 in Asia.

Newly-minted SEA Games gold medalist Vietnam, which like the Philippines is also making its FIFA Women’s World Cup debut next month, is the highest in the region at 32nd place, followed by Thailand at No. 44.

Australia is the top in the continent in 10th spot, followed by fellow World Cup-bound squads Japan (11th), China (14th) and South Korea (17th).

With a bevy of talent including experienced veterans and talented youngsters in the pool, the Filipinas will have an intense competition for a place in coach Alen Stajcic’s World Cup roster in the training camp in the next couple of weeks.

“I mean it’s always difficult but that’s what makes teams better,” co-captain Hali Long said during the New Zealand Embassy’s pre-departure send off for the Philippines on Thursday in Makati City.

“And I think we’ve set that internally just as a group of girls, we knew our pool was big but then have narrowed it down to like a core of 30, depending on availability, so, it really does spark that fire about putting your best foot forward,” she added.

Long and fellow captain Tahnai Annis were among 29 players named to Stajcic’s provisional squad, which will be trimmed to 23 for the World Cup, yesterday afternoon. Most of them will be in the pre-World Cup camp set at the Western Sydney Wanderers Complex.

Goalkeepers Olivia McDaniel, Inna Palacios, Kiara Fontanilla and Kaiya Jota were among those who called up.

Quinley Quezada, Sarina Bolden, Sara Eggesvik, Eva Madarang, Jessica Miclat, Bella Flanigan, Carleigh Frilles, Katrina Guillou, Malea Cesar, Jessika Cowart and Dominique Randle were among the notables who made it.

The Philippines will make its debut against Switzerland on July 21, to be followed by the July 25 duel with co-host New Zealand. The reigning AFF champions will end its group stage stint against Norway on July 30.

“Gusto ko sanang batiin at pasalamatan ang lahat ng manlalaro ng Team Filipinas. Success is the final point of hours of hard work, dedication, perseverance, and making it to the World Cup is an awesome achievement. It is a testament to the Filipino spirit,

unity, and sportsmanship. Proud kaming lahat sa inyo at may kumpiyansa kami na bibigyan nyo ng matinding laban ang New Zealand Football Ferns,” New Zealand Chargé d’Affaires Tim Given said.

“To the coaches, staff, and support personnel we acknowledge your dedication in nurturing athletes’ talent. Napakalaking bagay ng inyong expertise at gabay para sila ay magtagumpay. The FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 is more than just a sporting event. It is a platform for us to connect with each other, matuto mula sa isa’t isa, and inspire each other to continue ‘Going Beyond’,” he added.