EN
Japan remain Asia’s top side

Japan remain Asia’s top side

Kuala Lumpur: The latest FIFA Rankings released on Thursday saw Japan unchanged as the highest ranked Asian nation in 15th spot, having become the first team to qualify for the FIFA World Cup 2026.
Staying three spots adrift in 18 were Islamic Republic of Iran, who also clinched their spot at the global showpiece following their draw with Uzbekistan in the AFC Asian Qualifiers™ – Road to 26.
Korea Republic (23) and Australia (26) stayed in their respective positions while Qatar dropped seven spots to 55, Uzbekistan and Saudi Arabia improved one spot to 57 and 58 respectively.

Iraq (59), Jordan (62) and the United Arab Emirates (65) completed the best 10 nations in Asia.

There were other significant changes with Kyrgyz Republic - on the back of their win against Qatar in the AFC Asian Qualifiers - climbing four spots to 103 while Vietnam went from 114 to 109.

Similarly, improvements were also seen with Philippines, who jumped four spots to 146 with Myanmar recording the biggest change as they moved seven rungs up to 162.

Related News

  1. Preview – Group B: Japan v United Arab Emirates
    AFC U17 Asian Cup

    Preview – Group B: Japan v United Arab Emirates

  2. Preview - Group C: Yemen v Afghanistan
    AFC U17 Asian Cup

    Preview - Group C: Yemen v Afghanistan

  3. Preview - Group B: Australia v Vietnam
    AFC U17 Asian Cup

    Preview - Group B: Australia v Vietnam

  4. Preview - Group C: Korea Republic v Indonesia
    AFC U17 Asian Cup

    Preview - Group C: Korea Republic v Indonesia

  5. Ajanovic’s parents propelling his Australian journey
    AFC U17 Asian Cup

    Ajanovic’s parents propelling his Australian journey

Item 1 of 5