Massive Shifts in AFC FIFA Rankings After 2026 World Cup Qualifiers!

The latest AFC FIFA rankings have been released after the recent FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifiers and AFC Asian Cup 2027 qualification matches. Several Asian countries saw big changes in their rankings as the fight for a World Cup spot and Asian Cup place heated up.

Japan (FIFA Rank: 17) – Best in the latest AFC FIFA rankings

Japan remains Asia’s top team in the FIFA Rankings, even though they slipped from 15th to 17th. The Samurai Blue crushed Indonesia 6-0 but suffered a close loss to Australia. They have already secured their spot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup as winners of Group C.

Iran (FIFA Rank: 20) – Qualified, But Slips to 20th

Iran, also qualified for the World Cup as Group A leaders, experienced a slight drop after losing to Qatar. However, they ended the window on a high note with a 3-0 victory over North Korea.

Australia (FIFA Rank: 24) – Big Leap After Two Wins

Australia has made jumps in the ranking from 26th to 24th after nice wins over Japan and Saudi Arabia. They ended off Group C as runners-up and will be heading to the USA for the 2026 World Cup.

Qatar (FIFA Rank: 53) – Asian Champs Fight Back

Qatar has gained two spots after a heavy loss to Uzbekistan – because they beat Iran. They haven’t been dominant, but they are still in the race for qualification to the World Cup.

Uzbekistan (FIFA Rank: 55) – Dark Horses Shine

Uzbekistan’s spot in the World Cup caught many off guard. By finishing second in Group A, they’ve proven themselves as a growing power in Asian football.

Saudi Arabia (FIFA Rank: 59) – Slipping Down in the latest AFC FIFA rankings

Saudi Arabia struggled in the Gold Cup, losing ground with tough defeats against Australia and North American teams, which hurt their ranking and momentum.

Jordan (FIFA Rank: 64) – Dream Continues

Jordan, after an impressive run to the Asian Cup final, has now secured their place in the World Cup. However, a recent loss to Iraq caused them to drop slightly in the rankings.

Oman (FIFA Rank: 79) – Mixed Bag

Oman experienced an inconsistent window. A blowout victory over Niger and Lebanon was offset by a large loss to Jordan.

Bahrain (FIFA Rank: 89) – Hopes Dashed

Bahrain’s losses to China and Saudi Arabia knocked them out of World Cup contention and also further shifted them down the list.

Syria (FIFA Rank: 91) – Climbing Slowly

A win over Afghanistan allowed Syria to only go up one rank. They still have the qualification for the AFC Asian Cup well within their reach.

Palestine (FIFA Rank: 99) – Asian Cup Bound

Palestine jumped into double digits after a victory over Afghanistan. While they did not qualify for the World Cup, they have qualified for the Asian Cup in 2027.

Thailand (FIFA Rank: 102) – Missed Opportunity in the latest AFC FIFA rankings

Though they beat India, a loss to Turkmenistan hurt their standing. They now sit just outside the top 100.

Draws against DPR Korea and the UAE didn’t help Kyrgyz Republic, even though they’ve already qualified for the Asian Cup.

Tajikistan won against Cambodia and drew with the Philippines but still slipped slightly in the rankings.

Vietnam’s surprising 4-0 loss to Malaysia dropped them significantly. Their form is a concern ahead of the Asian Cup.

Despite a heavy 6-0 loss to Japan, Indonesia beat China and climbed five spots. Their World Cup hopes remain alive.

A draw with Kyrgyz Republic and a big loss to Iran caused North Korea to fall in the rankings. Still, they have qualified for the AFC Asian Cup 2027.

Malaysia made headlines with their 4-0 win over Vietnam. That victory helped them climb six spots, the biggest rise in this ranking update.

India’s struggles continue. Losses to Thailand and Hong Kong pushed the Blue Tigers further down. Their hopes for a good AFC Asian Cup seeding are now in doubt.

Despite reaching the third round, losses to Palestine and South Korea caused Kuwait to slip further in the rankings.

Hong Kong went unbeaten in the window with a draw against Nepal and a win over India. Still, their ranking remains low due to past results.