Iran remains 21st in FIFA Ranking, second in Asia
Iran retained the 21st spot in November’s FIFA Men’s Ranking, released by the international football governing body on Thursday.
Amir Qalenoei’s side tallied 1565.08 points to remain second to Japan, which moved up to world No. 17 with 1620.19 points, in the Asian standing.
Qalenoei’s men began their quest for a place in the 2026 World Cup with a 4-0 home victory over Hong Kong, China in the latest international break in mid-November, before surrendering a two-goal halftime lead to share the points with Uzbekistan in a 2-2 draw in Tashkent in Group E of the Asian qualifiers less than a fortnight ago.
Iran is followed by South Korea (23rd), Australia (25th), Saudi Arabia (56th), and Qatar (58th) in the AFC ranking.
A three-time AFC Asian Cup champion, Iran will be looking to end a 58-year drought at the continent’s flagship international event – starting January 12 in Qatar.
Iran will kick-start its campaign against Palestine in Group C – also featuring the United Arab Emirates and Hong Kong – in Al Rayyan’s Education City Stadium on Jan. 14.
Meanwhile, reigning world champion Argentina remained atop the FIFA Ranking, with France – beaten by the Argentines in last year’s World Cup final – in second.
England, Belgium, Brazil, the Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, Italy, and Croatia complete the top 10 of Men’s Ranking.