With a rise of two places, Australia is now the top-ranked country in Asia.
Additionally, the Socceroos are the top seed in a draw of 10 nations for the final round of qualifying for the 2014 World Cup.
FIFA’s rankings are still led by the world and European champions Spain, with the Netherlands reclaiming the second position, and Argentina making a return to the top 10.
After defeating England 3-2 in a recent friendly, the Dutch have regained the No.2 position from Germany.
In the rankings, Uruguay sits at No.4, while Brazil has climbed two places to reach fifth. England and Portugal have both dropped one place to sixth and seventh, respectively.
Argentina ascended three spots to No.8, with Italy and Croatia rounding out the top 10.
Among African teams, Ivory Coast holds the highest rank at No.15.
FIFA World Rankings
1. Spain (1)
2. Netherlands (3)
3. Germany (2)
4. Uruguay (4)
5. Brazil (7)
6. England (5)
7. Portugal (6)
8. Argentina (11)
9. Italy (8)
10. Croatia (9)
11. Denmark (10)
12. Russia (13)
13. Greece (14)
14. Chile (12)
15. Ivory Coast (15)
16. France (17)
17. Sweden (18)
18. Switzerland (16)
19. Ireland (20)
20. Australia (22)
by Buford Balony
