Iran continue to lead the way in FIFA ranking

AFC – KUALA LUMPUR, The Islamic Republic of Iran continue to lead the way in Asia with Team Melli maintaining their position as the continent’s top side in the latest FIFA World Ranking which was released on Thursday.

Despite dropping two places to 30th globally, Iran remains ahead of Korea Republic who are second in Asia and 43rd overall, while Japan, in third, dropped one spot to 45th in the world.

Fourth-placed Australia climbed two spots to 48th, with Saudi Arabia, who fell one place to 53rd, completing Asia’s top five teams.

Elsewhere, Palestine emerged as Asia’s biggest mover, climbing eight positions to 116th, overtaking regional rivals Oman, Iraq, and Yemen in the process.

Asia’s top five teams are currently participating in the FIFA World Cup Russia 2018 Asian qualifiers, with the third round set to continue on June 8 and 13.

Asia’s Top 10 (global rankings in brackets):

Iran (30th)

Korea Republic (43th)

Japan (45th)

Australia (48th)

Saudi Arabia (53rd)

Uzbekistan (62nd)

United Arab Emirates (75th)

Syria (77th)

China PR (82nd)

Qatar (88th)

The next FIFA World Ranking will be released on July 6.