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 remain 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.
Upcoming Russia 2018 Asian Qualifiers Third Round matches on June 8, 2017:
Group B:
Australia v Saudi Arabia
June 13, 2017
Group A:
Iran v Uzbekistan
Syria v China
Qatar v Korea Republic
Group B:
Thailand v UAE
Iraq v Japan
Photo: Lagardère Sports
Source: the-afc.com