Japan jumped 23 spots to No. 27 in the FIFA world rankings announced Thursday following their runner-up finish in the just-concluded Asian Cup in the United Arab Emirates.
The Samurai Blue placed in the top-30 for the first time since 2013. They ranked No. 21 in January of that year but finished at No. 47 in December.
Japan were aiming for a record-extending fifth title at the Asian Cup, having beaten Iran in the semifinals. But Hajime Moriyasu's side lost to Qatar in Friday's final.
Qatar made a huge leap from No. 93 to No. 55 in the rankings, while Iran climbed seven spots to No. 22 and remained Asia's highest ranked team.
The top-three teams did not change, with Belgium first, followed by 2018 World Cup champion France and Brazil.
