LONDON: The UAE’s march to the Asian Cup semifinals has seen the Whites leap 12 places to 67th in the latest FIFA World Rankings.
The hosts of the continental tournament memorable beat Australia in the quarterfinals before losing to eventual winners Qatar in the last-four clash in Al-Ain.
Saudi Arabia’s 1-0 exit at the hands of Japan in the second round only sees them drop one spot to 70, one place behind Algeria.
Iraq’s journey to the second round in the UAE has seen them rise one place to 80 while Syria’s surprise group-stage departure — they lost to Jordan and the Socceroos in Group B — has precipitated a drop of nine spots to 83.
Of other Arab nations, Egypt are at 57, Morocco 43 and Tunisia the highest at 28.
UAE rise 12 places in latest FIFA World Rankings
UAE rise 12 places in latest FIFA World Rankings
- Asian Cup hosts UAE reach 67th in world rankings.
- Saudi Arabia drop one spot to 70th as Tunisia remain highest ranked Arab side at 28.
Saudi boxing’s inaugural ‘Kingdom’s Belt’ Championship crowns winners in Riyadh
- Record participation of 246 fighters highlights growing momentum of boxing across the Kingdom
RIYADH: The Saudi Arabian Boxing Federation staged its inaugural “Kingdom’s Belt” Championship in Riyadh this week, with champions crowned on Saturday after four days of competition.
Held at the Mike Tyson Club in Boulevard City, the tournament featured 246 male and female fighters representing 46 clubs from across the Kingdom — the largest turnout for a domestic boxing championship organized by the federation.
Athletes qualified through regional tournaments, setting up national-level competition across multiple weight divisions in both men’s and women’s categories.
The championship formed part of the federation’s official calendar and was run under technical and administrative supervision, with bouts conducted in line with approved regulations and officiating standards.
Fighters progressed through preliminary rounds and semifinals before Saturday’s finals, where winners received the Kingdom’s belts during the closing ceremony.
The event showcased competitive matchups across divisions and highlighted the continued growth of organized boxing in Saudi Arabia.
Federation officials said the tournament represents an important addition to the domestic calendar, offering athletes a structured pathway to compete nationally while supporting efforts to develop the sport across the Kingdom.









