KUALA LUMPUR: The success of Harimau Malaya in qualifying for the 2023 Asian Cup on merit has helped Malaysia jump seven rungs to 147th in the latest Fifa world ranking.
Harimau Malaya were previously placed 154th in the world in March.
The squad, under chief coach Kim Pan Gon, created a sensation when the team succeeded in ending a four-decade-long wait to qualify for the 2023 Asian Cup on merit after trouncing Bangladesh 4-1 in the last Group E match of the 2023 Asian Cup qualifiers at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil on June 14.
Malaysia last appeared in the Asian Cup in the 2007 edition as co-host, but it has been 42 years since the country qualified for the championship on merit in the 1980 edition in Kuwait.
Meanwhile, five-time World Cup champions, Brazil stayed at the top of the Fifa rankings, followed by Belgium, Argentina, France, and England for the top five positions.