Football
Best Asian Football Teams: Japan, South Korea, Iran Ranked
International football in Asia has evolved into a highly competitive and highly watched sport. Once seen as a developing region in international football, the continent now boasts a rich treasure trove of talent, but also considerable progress. Asian nations have come to invest massive sums in developing football and closing the gap with other continents. At the heart of this transformation are the continent's traditional powers, countries that have always been perceived as modern in football terms, and countries that have more recently become major emerging powers. In this analysis, we compare Iran, South Korea, Japan, Saudi Arabia and China, the five national teams that have consistently shaped the landscape of Asian football. We'll find out which nation is the best according to the experts.
Gianni Infantino and Sheikh Salman bin Ibrahim al-Khalifa pose for a picture with the trophy//Getty Images
SB Market Index: How We Evaluate Asia's Greatest National Teams
Football at the national level in Asia has evolved into a highly competitive and passionately watched sport. Once seen as a developing region in international football, the continent now boasts a rich treasure trove of talent, but also considerable progress. Asian nations have come to invest massive sums in developing football and closing the gap with other continents.
At the heart of this transformation are the continent's traditional powers, countries that have always been perceived as modern in football terms, and countries that have more recently become major emerging forces. In this analysis, we compare Iran, South Korea, Japan, Saudi Arabia and China, the five national teams that have consistently shaped the landscape of Asian football.
We find out which nation is the best according to the experts.
Industry Insights
A curated analysis from top 10 football and sports media sources measures how prominently each nation is featured in discussions of the "greatest" or "most successful" Asian football teams of all time.
Industry Insights
| Source Name | Iran | South Korea | Japan | Saudi Arabia | China |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AFC Official Site – "Most Successful Teams" (Titles) | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| ESPN – "Power Ranking Asian Football" | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| FIFA.com – "Giants of Asian Football" features | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| KhelNow – "Top 5 Asian National Teams of All Time" | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Wikipedia – AFC Asian Cup all-time table & records | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Bleacher Report – "Ranking Asia's World Cup Contenders" | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| The Guardian – Profiles on Asian Football History | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Reddit r/soccer – Fan Polls on "Best AFC Team" | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| FourFourTwo – "Asia's Greatest Football Nations" | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Goal.com – "Asian Football Powerhouses" feature | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Total Mentions | 10 | 10 | 10 | 9 | 1 |
SB Score
| Team | Participations | Wins | Goal Difference | Total Points | SB Score |
| Iran | 15 | 45 | +88 | 155 | 1.000 |
| South Korea | 15 | 38 | +43 | 133 | 0.806 |
| Japan | 10 | 33 | +52 | 111 | 0.751 |
| Saudi Arabia | 11 | 23 | +24 | 84 | 0.505 |
| China | 13 | 23 | +22 | 84 | 0.501 |
This score is calculated based on three key historical metrics from major continental tournaments: Total Points accumulated (40% weightage), Goal Difference (30% weightage), and Total Wins (30% weightage).
SB Market Index
| Rank | Team | SB Score | Industry Insights | SB Market Index |
| 1 | Iran | 1.000 | 10 | 8.200 |
| 2 | South Korea | 0.806 | 10 | 8.161 |
| 3 | Japan | 0.751 | 10 | 8.150 |
| 4 | Saudi Arabia | 0.505 | 9 | 7.301 |
| 5 | China | 0.501 | 1 | 0.900 |
The Titans of Asia: Iran, South Korea, and Japan
At the top of our SB Market Index, the race is tight, showing just how balanced and dominant the Asian elite really is. Iran leads by the narrowest margin, thanks to their top SB Score, backed by a record number of AFC Asian Cup titles and consistent World Cup qualification. Statistically, Iran’s consistent success has kept them at the top of the continent for decades.
But when it comes to perception, South Korea and Japan reign supreme. Both nations scored a perfect 10 in Industry Insights. As we mentioned in the introduction, they are perceived as the top nations in Asia. South Korea’s historic, but controversial, run to the semi-finals of the 2002 World Cup and Japan’s technical development and youth development system have cemented their status on the world stage.
While Iran leads the numbers game, all three nations share the crown when it comes to overall influence.
The Historical Powerhouse: Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia may not be the headline-grabber, but the nation certainly holds its own among the giants of Asian football. With a high score in the Industry Insights, they rank just behind the top three in the Market Index, a testament to the respect they have earned from experts and analysts across the football world.
Their reputation is built on consistency and pedigree. Saudi Arabia has qualified for six World Cups, including a stunning debut in 1994 that saw them reach the last 16, and a sensational 2-1 win over eventual world champions Argentina in the group stage. Add to that three AFC Asian Cup titles and a near-constant presence at the final tournaments.
While it may not surpass every statistical indicator, Saudi Arabia is a nation on the rise and cannot be left out of this list.
The Sleeping Giant: China
China’s position in our SB Market Index tells a story of both promise and perception. Statistically, they hold up well, with a history of frequent participation in continental competitions and a solid record of wins and qualifiers, particularly in the 1980s and early 2000s. Their run to the 2004 Asian Cup final and qualification for the 2002 FIFA World Cup remain notable achievements in Chinese football history.
However, their lower score in the Industry Insights signals a shift in how they are perceived today. In modern discussions of the best national teams in Asia, China is rarely found among the continent’s elite. Despite massive investment in infrastructure and player development, recent underperformance on the international stage has dimmed their once-powerful spotlight.
Conclusion on Asia's Footballing Hierarchy
Ultimately, Iran, South Korea and Japan emerge as the undisputed giants of Asian football, each country having made a huge impression over the years. All three nations are virtually inseparable in the minds of experts, with South Korea and Japan achieving perfect scores in Industry Insights, with Iran a close second. However, when we consider historical achievements, Iran’s superior SB score, driven by multiple AFC Asian Cup titles and consistent continental success, gives them the smallest edge in our comprehensive model.
Just behind them, Saudi Arabia’s sustained tournament presence and pundit recognition cement their place among Asia’s traditional elite, while China’s historic contributions remind us of the continent’s rich and diverse footballing landscape.
What this comparison ultimately shows is that Asia’s footballing heritage runs deep. These three nations are the absolute holders, but this perception can easily be changed if a presence at a final tournament can be transformed into a performance.
With a strong background in journalism and years of experience in sports commentary, Dragoș Șoneriu has written about every aspect of sport, from match reports and features to tactical analyses and investigative pieces. A lifelong Arsenal fan, he dreams of seeing his beloved team lift the Premier League trophy. Outside of work, Dragoș collects anything football-related, from stickers and mugs to vintage shirts and scarves.