They will now go into the tournament as the second highest ranked team in the AFC in 41st spot overall, behind Iran in 29th spot (equal with Serbia.)

Japan are in third place in Asia in 50th place, just ahead of Korea in 53rd, Saudi Arabia in 69th, Syria in 74th and China 76th. Asian Cup hosts UAE come in as Asia's eighth-placed side at 79th spot.

The Socceroos' modest rise comes after the 4-0 win over Kuwait in October, the 1-1 draw with Korea and 3-0 win over Lebanon (now ranked 81st in the world).

At the top of the rankings, Belgium are again number one, a point ahead of France in second place.

Brazil, Croatia and England round out the top five, while the 2014 world champions Germany have now slipped to 16th, just behind the Netherlands.