The friendly match between Russia and Bolivia takes place on Tuesday at 13:00 local time in Bolivia. Hosted at Lev Yashin Stadium in Moscow, this match is significant as it impacts the FIFA rankings.
FIFA Ranking and Match Implications
Despite being sanctioned from official competitions since 2022 due to the invasion of Ukraine, Russia is eligible to play friendly matches. Their participation does not negate their membership in FIFA and UEFA.
As of September 2023, Russia holds the 33rd position in the FIFA rankings. This ranking is attributed to their recent friendlies against teams from Asia and Africa.
Bolivia’s Historical Context
Bolivia is making its mark as the first Conmebol team to play against Russia since the onset of the war. The Bolivian team has enjoyed a successful streak, securing 16 consecutive victories in Class A friendlies this year. This consistency keeps them active in the FIFA rankings.
Ranking Influence and Future Prospects
For a national team to be removed from the FIFA rankings, it must remain inactive for 48 months. A notable example is Eritrea, which currently ranks last without any points.
A positive outcome for Bolivia in this friendly could enhance their rank while also depending on the results of other teams closely adjacent to them in the standings.
Key Match Details
- Match Date: Tuesday
- Time: 13:00 (local time in Bolivia)
- Venue: Lev Yashin Stadium, Moscow
- Current FIFA Ranking (Russia): 33rd
- Bolivia’s Recent Wins: 16 consecutive victories in friendlies
The friendly match between Bolivia and Russia is not merely a game; it carries weight in terms of FIFA rankings and the ongoing narrative of international football relations.
