Qatar rocket up world rankings after Asian Cup triumph

Paris - Qatar have climbed a huge 38 places in the latest FIFA world rankings released on Thursday, reaching their highest position in more than quarter of a century on the back of their victorious Asian Cup campaign.

The Gulf state, who will host the World Cup in 2022, are now ranked 55th - just ahead of Cameroon and Egypt - after beating Japan 3-1 in last week's final in the United Arab Emirates. It is their highest ranking since 1993.

Meanwhile, Japan's run in the same competition has seen them shoot up to 27th, a rise of 23 positions.

Belgium remain first in an unchanged top 10, just in front of world champions France.

Ranking, February 7

1. Belgium, 2. France, 3. Brazil, 4. Croatia, 5. England, 6. Portugal, 7. Uruguay, 8. Switzerland, 9. Spain, 10. Denmark

Selected others

22. Iran (+7), 27. Japan (+23), 38. South Korea (+15), 55. Qatar (+38)