The ranking is the Socceroos' worst in four years and comes just over a year since Australia were in the top 20 after several years in the top 25.

Australia are now ranked third in Asia behind Japan in 22nd spot and Korea in 35th with Iran fourth in 59th place.

Reigning European and world champions Spain finished 2012 in pole position for the fifth consecutive year.

Joachim Loew's Germany remain the second-placed team in the standings, with South American giants Argentina completing the podium.

Euro 2012 finalists Italy have climbed one place and now sit fourth, ahead of Colombia who were named 'Mover of the Year' after reaching fifth position from 36th at the start of the year.

England are sixth, while Portugal (seventh, three down), Netherlands (eighth, one down), Russia (ninth) and Croatia (10th) complete the rest of the top 10.

Copa America holders Uruguay have to settle for 16th place after dropping five places, while 2014 World Cup hosts Brazil are only 18th.

Cote d'Ivoire stay as Africa's highest-placed team at number 14, while New Zealand top the Oceania placings in 91st spot.

Cuba are this month's biggest climbers as they went 41 places up to make it to 100th spot, and  Belize (down 23) dropped the most positions compared to last month's FIFA rankings.