An impressive 4-0 friendly win over Kuwait has seen the Caltex Socceroos move up to 42nd in the latest edition of FIFA’s world rankings.
In Graham Arnold’s return fixture as Australia coach, the Caltex Socceroos looked the goods as preparations for the AFC Asian Cup 2019 continued.
Australia moved up one place due to their victory and are now within striking distance of Montenegro, Scotland and FIFA World Cup 2018 hosts Russia.
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More movement is possible before the year ends, too, with Arnold’s men to host Korea Republic and Lebanon in friendlies in November.
Korea Republic sit 53rd, up two places, and Lebanon are 82nd in the rankings.
At the top of the tree, Belgium moved ahead of FIFA World Cup 2018 winners France to take top spot.
Brazil sit third, with Croatia, England, Uruguay, Portugal, Switzerland, Spain and Denmark rounding out the top 10.
IR Iran remain the top-ranked AFC nation, in 30th, with Japan next best in 50th.
Australia’s group stage opponents at the AFC Asian Cup 2019 in Jordan, Palestine and Syria, are ranked 112th, 99th and 74th respectively.