Socceroos climb 10 spots in latest FIFA rankings

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The Socceroos have reached their highest FIFA World Ranking since the 2006 FIFA World Cup in Germany, climbing to 38th after its 3-0 win over Qatar last week.

The Socceroos have reached their highest FIFA World Ranking since the 2006 FIFA World Cup in Germany, climbing to 38th after its 3-0 win over Qatar last week.

The 2010 FIFA World Cup™ qualifying win saw Australia gain 56 points, moving them 10 places up in the rankings and a step closer to its highest ever ranking. Australia-s highest ever ranking came in July 1997, climbing to 31. After suffering a significant drop in 2000, Australia-s ranking again moved upwards and after the 2006 World Cup finals, rose again to 33.

They are now just three places behind Japan (35), who is the leading Asian team, and jump ahead of both Iran (39) and Korea Republic (41).

The biggest movers in the rankings came from the African teams, following the recent conclusion of the African Nations Cup in Ghana. Surprisingly though, winners Egypt only rose 6 spots to 29, while its fellow finalist Cameroon only rose 8 places to 17. The big movers were the two losing semi finalists, Ghana (up 29 places to 14) and Côte d'Ivoire (up 14 places to 24).

The top of the rankings did not see any changes, with the top nine teams all staying exactly where they are. Argentina remains top of the standings, ahead of fellow South Americans Brazil. Italy is third Spain and Germany rounding out the top five.