The Caltex Socceroos have been given a handy confidence boost ahead of the FIFA World Cup™ by officially becoming the top-ranked team in Asia.

FIFA's latest update has seen Australia climb four places to 36th in the world, overtaking 37th-placed Iran as the Asian Football Confederation leader.

The new standings mark Australia's best ranking since holding the same position in 2013.

It comes as a reward for March's creditable 0-0 draw with Colombia and the impressive 4-0 victory over the Czech Republic last week.

Fellow AFC nation and FIFA World Cup competitors Korea Republic also rose four places to occupy 57th, while Japan slipped one spot to 61st and Saudi Arabia held firm in 67th.

Australia's Group C opponents France, Peru and Denmark remain seventh, 11th and 12th respectively.

While the top 10 was also largely unchanged, Robert Lewandowski's Poland did improve two spots to eighth.

Reigning champions Germany, five-time winners Brazil and trophy hopefuls Belgium comprise the top three a week out from the opening FIFA World Cup™ fixture between Russia and Saudi Arabia in Moscow.