The Caltex Socceroos’ recent impressive form has seen them surge up the latest FIFA world rankings released today.

Australia have jumped five spots to 40th since September's release, their highest ranking since 2012 when they were placed 36th.

The rise comes following back-to-back draws in recent World Cup qualifiers against Saudi Arabia (2-2) in Jeddah and Japan (1-1) in Melbourne.

Iran (27) are the top ranked nation in Asia followed by Australia then Korea Republic (44), Uzbekistan (48) and Japan (51).

The Socceroos' next opponents, Thailand sit 146th, while the rest of the AFC's Group B consists of Iraq (113), UAE (70) and Saudi Arabia (54).

Argentina remain the world’s top ranked side, followed by Germany, Brazil and Belgium.

Spain return to the top ten, while fellow Europeans Poland (15th, up 2), Iceland (21st, up 6) and Kosovo (164th, up 4) have moved up to their highest-ever placings.