AFC - The Islamic Republic of Iran have maintained their position as Asia’s best ranked team following the release of the latest FIFA World Ranking on Thursday.
Iran and Korea Republic’s rankings remain unchanged at 29th and 37th respectively, while Australia (44th) overtake Japan (46th) as the third best ranked side in Asia. Saudi Arabia have moved up six places to 48th.
All of Asia’s top ten teams are currently competing in the third round of qualifying for the FIFA World Cup Russia 2018, with unbeaten Iran leading Group A and Saudi Arabia edging out Japan to sit atop Group B.
The Maldives are the best Asian movers in the latest rankings, climbing nine spots to 145th globally, while India and Nepal moved up six places to 129th and 175th respectively.
Asia’s Top 10 (global rankings in brackets)
Iran (29th)
Korea Republic (37th)
Australia (44th)
Japan (46th)
Saudi Arabia (48th)
Uzbekistan (61st)
United Arab Emirates (64th)
China PR (81st)
Qatar (85th)
Syria (96th)
The next FIFA World Ranking will be released on February 9.