The Samurai Blue had a thrilling FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 campaign, which saw them beat former champions Germany and Spain (both 2-1) to top Group E, before falling to eventual third-place finishers Croatia on penalties in the Round of 16.
🇯🇵 Japan end the year as Asia's best in the latest #FIFARanking!
— #AsianCup2023 (@afcasiancup) December 22, 2022
🇦🇺 Australia move up 11 spots to be in the world's top 30 for the first time since 2012! pic.twitter.com/23ys7Pyul2
Japan moved four spots up to break the top 20, replacing Islamic Republic of Iran, who dropped to 24th position. .....
![10MA TOPICS! [KOREA FA] Korea Republic's Song joins J1 League's Shonan Bellmare](https://image.eaff.com/index/6773.jpg)
![10MA TOPICS! [JAPAN FA][FIFA WORLD CUP] Women referees 'opened up possibilities' at Qatar 2022, says Yamashita](https://image.eaff.com/index/6771.jpg)
![10MA TOPICS! [KOREA FA][FIFA WORLD CUP] Bento bids emotional farewell to Korea Republic](https://image.eaff.com/index/6770.jpg)
![10MA TOPICS! [JAPAN FA] SAMURAI BLUE pay courtesy call on Prime Minister Kishida Fumio](https://image.eaff.com/index/6769.jpg)
![10MA TOPICS! [JAPAN FA] SAMURAI BLUE hold press conference following their return from FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™](https://image.eaff.com/index/6767.jpg)
![10MA TOPICS! [JAPAN FA][FIFA WORLD CUP] Japan confident of bright future despite heartbreak](https://image.eaff.com/index/6766.jpg)
![10MA TOPICS! [JAPAN FA] SAMURAI BLUE’s Coach Moriyasu “The players have shown us a great view” at FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™](https://image.eaff.com/index/6765.jpg)
![10MA TOPICS! [KOREA FA][FIFA WORLD CUP] Captain Son apologises after Taeguk Warriors' bid ends](https://image.eaff.com/index/6764.jpg)