Catalytic abilities of platinum group metals were evaluated toward each of the two steps for the electrochemical oxidation of methanol: the adsorptive oxidation of methanol to COad and the desorptive oxidation of COad to CO₂. Platinum and iridium were found the most active for the former as well as ruthenium for the latter. Novel Ir-Ru combination was predicted and proved to have such a high catalytic ability for overall oxidation of methanol as well-known Pt-Ru, using three types of catalysts: ad-atoms, highly dispersed particle ones without support and with carbon support. Applicability of this catalyst to direct methanol fuel cells was discussed.