Korean Media: Despite Reluctance, Japan’s Status as Asia’s Top Team is Confirmed

According to the latest world rankings released by FIFA, the Japanese team, which had a resounding 7-goal victory over China, continues to hold the top spot in Asia. Japanese media are jubilant and have extensively cited comments from Korean media indicating that the Korean sports circle is very reluctantly acknowledging that the Japanese team has become the strongest team in Asia.

The Korean media outlet “The Star” commented: “Despite being unwilling to admit it, the Japanese team ranks 16th globally according to FIFA, topping Asia, while the South Korean team can only place 23rd, with the gap between them widening.”

The Korean media outlet “News1” also reported: “In Asia, the Japanese team, ranked first, has further extended its lead, achieving its highest world ranking since its establishment, and has become the leading team in Asian football.”

The Korean media outlet “Special Times” pointed out: “The Japanese team has made significant progress in international rankings; both their and Iran’s rankings are ahead of South Korea’s. This is mainly due to South Korea’s disappointing performance in the World Cup qualifiers, while the Japanese team defeated China 7-0 and Bahrain 5-0. Before this ranking was announced, many were concerned about a potential drop in South Korea’s ranking, but fortunately, South Korea maintained its 23rd position.”

In this ranking release, among Asian teams, besides Japan (16), Iran (19), and South Korea (23), other teams within the top 100 include Australia (25), Qatar (44), Iraq (55), Saudi Arabia (56), Uzbekistan (60), Jordan (68), UAE (69), Bahrain (76), Oman (78), China (91), Syria (91), Palestine (98), and Thailand (100).