Qatar returned to top 50 in the latest FIFA World Rankings yesterday, with the Asian champions jumping two places to take 49th spot. Felix Sanchez’s men are ranked fifth in Asia with Iran (23) on top followed by Japan (24), South Korea (28) and Australia (39).
The FIFA World Cup 2022 hosts are also fifth in the Arab world behind Morocco (22) Tunisia (30), Egypt (40) and Algeria (41). Saudi Arabia are ranked 53rd while the UAE are on 69th position in the new rankings.
It is the first time that Qatar have entered the top 50 this year after slipping out of the club in February’s rankings. Qatar had ended 2021 on 48th position.
The World Cup hosts are currently busy in a training camp in Marbella – a city and resort area on southern Spain’s Costa del Sol. The camp will conclude on June 28. In March, Qatar played two home friendlies against Slovenia and Bulgaria following their participation at the FIFA Arab Cup, which was played in November-December last year.
Qatar are in Group A of the World Cup where they will face European giants Netherlands, African champions Senegal and Ecuador. The home team will kick off their campaign with a match against Ecuador on November 21 at Al Bayt Stadium.
Meanwhile, Brazil retained their top spot with Belgium staying second, followed by Argentina and world champions France on third and fourth positions respectively. England are fifth in the latest FIFA rankings. Spain (6), Italy (7), the Netherlands (8), Portugal (9) and Denmark (10th) completed top 10 in the new rankings.
With a surge of 11 places, Kazakhstan (114th, plus 11) made the most progress in this edition. Cuba (167th, plus 10), Greece (48th, plus 7), and Malaysia (147th, plus7) also made notable gains. Kosovo (106th, plus 1) and Comoros (126th, plus 2) continue their ascents to once again achieve all-time Ranking highs.
