PIM Verbeek's Socceroos have climbed five places in the latest FIFA rankings with the green and gold now sitting in 34th spot.

A great start to the second stage of World Cup qualifying has seen Australia push up the international 'league table' and Verbeek's men are now only two places behind big rivals Japan.

Australian fans can now officially claim bragging rights over their Irish football friends as well with Northern Ireland ranked 35 and the Republic of Ireland 38.

Australia now have 737 points in the table but still have work to do to challenge the world's best. Spain sit top of the tree with 1643 points.

Italy and Germany sit second and third respectively.