| December 25, 2018
#140/2018 Islamic Republic of Iran maintain dominance as continental showpiece draws closer With 11 days to Asia's greatest-ever showpiece, Islamic Republic of Iran's quest to claim a record-equalling fourth AFC Asian Cup title received a major boost after they ended an outstanding 2018 season as the Continent's best team in the latest FIFA Ranking. Asia's record five representatives at the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia maintain their stronghold to stay within the top five with IR Iran maintaining their season's best in 29th place. Team Melli, whose last of three AFC Asian Cup triumphs was in 1976, are in Group D with Iraq, Vietnam and Yemen. Despite falling five places from June this year, defending champions Australia, who are in Group B alongside Jordan, Syria and Palestine, find themselves in 41st position and will land in the UAE as Asia's second ranked team. Japan, the tournament's most successful side with four titles, were one of the best performers among the top five teams after rising nearly 11 places to 50th place since registering Asia's best performance in Russia 2018 where they were just minutes away from sealing a place in the final eight. Korea Republic, who will open their campaign against debutants Philippines on January 7 ended their year in 53rd spot with Saudi Arabia taking 69th, an impressive 40 positions ahead of their Group E opening day opponents DPR Korea on January 8. While Kyrgyz Republic's leap of 40 spots to 75 in the FIFA World Ranking in April remains one of the biggest ascends from an Asian side this year, Oman has been quietly and gradually plotting their own revival after rising by an impressive 21 places since March. Buoyed by an eight-match unbeaten run including two recent victories over Tajikistan this month, Pim Verbeek's men who overcame the odds to lift the Gulf Cup in Kuwait City almost a year ago, will face their first real test against Uzbekistan in their Group E opener on January 9. Preparations for all teams have gathered pace with a series of friendly matches taking place over the next week, before the Continental showpiece kicks off on January 5. To keep up-to-date with all the latest results as Asia's elite conclude their UAE 2019 preparations, please click here. About the AFC Asian Cup: The AFC Asian Cup is the pinnacle international team tournament held by the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) every four years to determine the champion of Asia. The competition is the second-oldest continental football championship (after the Copa America) and was first held in 1956. The AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019 TM expands the number of participating nations from 16 to 24, making it the biggest tournament ever. The 2019 tournament will be the second time the UAE has hosted the event, after successfully staging the finals in 1996. The Asian Cup UAE 2019 runs from 5 January to 1 February 2019, with 51 matches being played in eight world class stadiums located across four host cities - Al Ain, Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Sharjah. Match schedules and tickets for purchase are available on http://www.afcasiancup2019.com. For group ticket packages contact groups@asiancup19.ae. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theafcasiancup/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/afcasiancup Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/afcasiancup/ LOC Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bringingasiatogether/ Official hashtags: #AsianCup2019 # كأس_ آسيا 2019 | 
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