The UAE jumped 14 places in the latest FIFA rankings and now sit at number 66th in the world and fifth in Asia. 

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The ranking of the Whites was significantly boosted after their great showing at the Asian Cup 2015 in Australia, with Mahdi Ali's side reaching the semi-finals before falling to the hosts, who went on to win the trophy. 

UAE then finished the tournament in style, winning the bronze medal after defeating Iraq 3-2 in the third place play-off.

It also moved UAE up to fifth place in the Asian ranking, though Iran still lead the way in continental terms – Team Melli were eliminated at the quarter-finals but won all three group stage games and only lost on penalties. South Korea, Japan and Australia made up the rest of Asia's top five. 

Algeria managed in maintaining the position of top Arab and African teams as they ended as 18th overall, while Ivory Coast, the recent African Cup of Nations champons, jumped eight places to 20th and second place at the African level.

Germany remained as the No. 1 in the world, Argentina and Colombia ended as second and third respectively. Belgium came fourth and Netherlands are fifth.

The Whites were the 80th team globally by the end of January. By the end of the year 2014 the UAE was 81st, and the year before that on November the national team was 85th.