Japan remain the number one nation in Asia in 26th place - rising two spots and increasing the gap to Australia in 39th - while South Korea also went backwards, dropping nine spots to 47th place.

Spain continue to hold a comfortable lead over second-placed Germany in the FIFA rankings, with Argentina occupying third spot. England remain in fourth position, only just holding off Italy.

Colombia are the only other non-European team in the top 10, with the South Americans sitting sixth in the table. 

Portugal, Netherlands, Croatia and Russia complete the top 10.

Cote d'Ivoire are Africa's highest-ranked representative in 13th place, while 2014 World Cup hosts Brazil have to settle for 18th position.

The main changes are to be found lower down the ranking following the opening qualifiers for the AFC Challenge Cup 2014, with Afghanistan and India among the biggest climbers.

The next FIFA rankings will be published on April 11.