DOHA: Asian champions Qatar moved up one spot to 48th in the latest FIFA rankings released by the game’s governing body on Thursday.
Iran is another Asian side that has moved up one place (22nd plus 1) as they have remained in the top 20 since June, with most of their 58 international men’s matches being played in Africa and Asia.
FIFA World Cup hosts Qatar are currently participating in a four-nation friendly tournament in Austria, preparing for their debut in the game’s biggest spectacle.
Al Anabi will play the final match of the event against Jamaica on Thursday after beating Ghana in the second game. They started the event with a draw against Morocco.
Meanwhile, Brazil remained on top of the FIFA World Rankings in August, with Belgium and Argentina being the closest challengers at 2nd and 3rd respectively.
Two countries perform well: Mauritania (107th, plus 3) and Botswana (146th, plus 3), rising three places each.
That progress made them the two most improved teams in terms of standings.
Outside the top 100, in addition to the aforementioned African duo, Mozambique (116th, plus 2) and Angola (120th, plus 2) also dominate among the CAF sides, with Bermuda (168th) , plus 2) was also CONCACAF .
