TWITTER:QFA
Asian champions Qatar 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.
Qatar, coached by Felix Sanchez, enjoyed an impressive 12-match unbeaten streak before losing to hosts USA in the semi-final of the Concacfaf Gold Cup.
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.
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, ahead of fourth-placed South Korea, who improved three rungs to 36th.
Belgium managed to retain their top spot despite being eliminated in the quarter-finals of the European Championship. Their last-eight opponents and eventual winners of the tournament, Italy, (5, +2), moved up into the Top 5, just behind EURO runners-up England (4, no change). Just above that pair, Brazil (2, +1) and France (3, -1) swapped places.
Argentina (6, +2) reaped the benefits of a triumphant Copa America campaign, while the two Gold Cup finalists broke into the Top 10. Victorious in that tournament and winners of the Concacaf Nations League as well, United States (10, +10) climbed no fewer than ten places, eight more than Mexico (9, +2), who, despite losing in the final of both competitions, now sit one spot above their continental rivals.
The next FIFA/Coca-Cola men’s world ranking will be published on September 16.
Leader: Belgium (unchanged)
Moves into top 10: Mexico (9, plus 2) USA (10, plus 10)
Moves out of top 10: Denmark (11, minus 1) Uruguay (13, minus 4)
Matches played in total: 348
Most matches played: Mexico (12 matches)
Biggest move by points: Italy (plus 102.61 points)
Biggest move by ranks: Qatar (plus 16 ranks)
Biggest drop by points: Grenada (minus 43.54 points)
Biggest drop by ranks: Thailand (minus 14 ranks)
