Qatar climb FIFA rankings after Asian Cup

Asian Cup champions Qatar have surged 38 places in the football world rankings released by global governing body FIFA, while Belgium retain their place at the top of the pile.

Qatar, who defeated Japan 3-1 to lift their first major trophy in the UAE last week, have risen to 55th in the world as a result.

Beaten finalists Japan rose 23 spots to 27th but Iran, who lost in the semi-finals, remain the continent's best in 22nd.

Australia, who were eliminated in the quarter-finals by the UAE, slipped one spot to 42nd.

Belgium continue to lead the standings on 1,727 points, just one point ahead of World Cup winners France.

Brazil remain third with 1,676 points in an unchanged top-20, ahead of World Cup finalists Croatia, England, Portugal, Uruguay, Switzerland, Spain and Denmark.

Mexico (17th) are the best from the North and Central American CONCACAF region, Senegal (24th) top Africa and New Zealand (119th) are the strongest in Oceania.

The next rankings are issued on April 4.