Japan remain Asia's best in latest FIFA World Ranking

Kuala Lumpur: Japan, Islamic Republic of Iran and Korea Republic each dropped places but remained as Asia's top three teams in the latest FIFA World Ranking published on Thursday.

Australia remained at 41st while reigning AFC Asian Cup holders Qatar stayed at 58th to round off the top five Asian sides.

Japan, who defeated Korea Republic 3-0 in a friendly before emphatically beating Mongolia 14-0 in the Asian Qualifiers for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 and AFC Asian Cup China 2023 in March, dropped to 28th in the rankings.

Iran dropped two spots to 31st while Korea Republic moved one position down the rankings to 39th.

Saudi Arabia, who scored a crucial 5-0 win over Palestine on March 30 to move top of Group D of the Asian Qualifiers, are Asia's sixth best side after moving two spots up to 65th.

Iraq (68th), United Arab Emirates (73), China PR (77th) and Syria (79th) rounded off the continent's top 10 sides while DPR Korea DPR (109, +6) were Asia's biggest movers.

Photo: AFP