AUSTRALIA have dropped three places in the latest FIFA world rankings but still remain the leading Asian nation at No.37.

The Socceroos are one spot ahead of Japan, which fell six places down to 38.

Ireland rose two places to jump ahead of Australia following a positive start to their World Cup qualifying campaign.

Spain remain at the top of the rankings thanks to its 100 percent record so far in World Cup qualifying.

The European champions have won all four of their Group Five matches to give them a healthy four-point advantage over nearest challengers Turkey in the pool.

Germany are also unbeaten in World Cup qualifying and climb to second in the world rankings at the expense of Italy, which drop down a place to third.

Bert van Marwijk's Holland also move up a spot to fourth above Brazil while England return to the top 10 after leaping four places in the standings to join Portugal in 10th.

Argentina, Croatia, Russia and Czech Republic make up the rest of the top 10.

Lower down the rankings, Jamaica are the biggest movers jumping 33 places to 83rd on the back of qualifying wins over Mexico and Honduras while Cyprus are the biggest fallers, tumbling 27 spots.