Kuala Lumpur: Islamic Republic of Iran ended their 2018 season as Asia's best, following the latest FIFA Rankings released on Thursday.

Team Melli retained their position in 29th spot, with Australia, Japan, Korea Republic and Saudi Arabia's positions also unchanged at 29th, 41st, 50th, 53rd, and 69th respectively to complete Asia's top five.

All five teams will convene in the United Arab Emirates, where they will be joined by 19 other nations - including hosts UAE - for the AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019.

Preparations for all teams have gathered pace with a series of friendly matches taking place over the next two weeks, before the Continental showpiece kicks off on January 5.


December 24

Iraq v China PR

Iran v Palestine

December 25

Qatar v Kyrgyz Republic

Afghanistan v Turkey

Vietnam v DPR Korea

December 27

Qatar v Algeria

India v Oman

December 28

Iraq v Palestine

China PR v Jordan

UAE v Kuwait

December 29

Yemen v Syria

December 31

Kyrgyz Republic v Palestine

Qatar v Iran

Vietnam v Philippines

Korea Republic v Saudi Arabia

Source: the-afc.com