Qatar Football Association
Qatar moved up an impressive 16 spots while Japan continue to lead as Asia’s best ranked team in the latest FIFA World Ranking released on Thursday.
The maroons made a significant jump to 42nd (fifth in Asia) after reaching the 2021 Gold Cup semi-finals – recording the largest climb of the month and equalling their highest-ever position in the FIFA World Ranking, which dates back to the first edition in 1993.
had played five matches in the Gold Cup, winning three, drawing one and losing one match against America.
With the end of the team’s campaign in the continental championship, Qatar will resume their European qualifiers in Group A, and meet with Portugal, Serbia and Luxembourg on September 1, 4 and 7 next.
Japan, Asia’s No 1 ranked side, climbed four spots to 24th, following their unbeaten run in the Asian Qualifiers for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 and AFC Asian Cup China 2023.
Islamic Republic of Iran, who also impressed in the Asian Qualifiers in June after wins over Hong Kong, Bahrain, Cambodia and Iraq, remained second on the list in 26th position.
Australia jumped to 35th, climbing six spots with victories against Kuwait, Chinese Taipei, Nepal and Jordan in the June Qualifiers, ahead of fourth-placed Korea Republic, who improved three rungs to 36th.