Qantas Socceroos fall behind Japan

Japan have risen to number 23 on the FIFA World Rankings to move past the Qantas Socceroos.

Japan have received a boost ahead of next week's FIFA World Cup qualifier against the Qantas Socceroos moving above them on FIFA's latest rankings.

The Blue Samurai leaping seven spots to No.23, while Australia will start their final round of 2014 World Cup qualifiers as No.24.

Meanwhile, Spain will start their European Championship defence as the world's top-ranked team, while Germany lost their No.2 slot to Uruguay.

Germany fell to No.3, ahead of their Euro 2012 group opponent the Netherlands. Group B rival Portugal plummeted from No.5 to 10th.

Brazil and England each rose one place to No.5 and 6, respectively, with Argentina climbing two to No.7.

Fox Sports wll show Japan v Jordan, before the Qantas Socceroos take on Oman on Friday, from 8.20pm