The Caltex Socceroos have dropped one spot in the latest FIFA rankings announced today, ahead of this month’s crucial World Cup Qualifiers.
Australia has eased to number 55 in the world but retains fourth spot in the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) behind Iran (33), Korea Republic (40) and Japan (51).
Coach Ange Postecoglou announced a 30-player squad on Wednesday for upcoming qualifiers against Iraq (March 23 in Tehran) and the 68th placed UAE (March 28 in Sydney).
Caltex Socceroos squad named for Iraq, UAE WCQs
This squad will be trimmed to 23 players following this weekend’s matches, with half the players in the reckoning for selection not involved in the Socceroos 2-2 draw against Thailand (127) last November.
Australia are currently placed third in the AFC's Group B, with their remaining qualifiers against Saudi Arabia (57), Japan and Thailand to decide whether they reach a fourth straight World Cup.
Around the world there was no movement among the top ten nations, with Argentina continuing to lead the standings from Brazil and Germany.
Today also marked 100 days until the Socceroos compete at the Confederations Cup in Russia, where they will play newly crowned African champions Cameroon (32), reigning World Cup holders Germany (3) and South American champions Chile (4).