The emergence of Saudi Arabia and Japan as Asian powerhouses was fairly late, with both not making their AFC Asian Cup debuts until the 1980s, Saudi Arabia in 1984 and Japan four years later.

Both nations needed little time afterwards to establish themselves; the Green Falcons instantly climbed to the top, winning the trophy at the first time of asking, while the Samurai Blue got their first title on home soil in 1992, only their second appearance.

Australia, who had relinquished the top spot to IR Iran in the August rankings, remain as Asia's second best team at 43rd while Japan moved up one spot to 54th.

Korea Republic improved to 55th, up two places and are the continent's fourth best ranked team.

Saudi Arabia complete Asia's top five, moving down one spot to 71st.

Arnold’s men will meet Romeo Jozak’s side in an international friendly match on October 15 after completing a short training camp in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The match venue and kick-off time are still to be finalised.

The match is part of Australia's buildup to the AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019 on January 5-February 1.

Arnold said that he’s looking forward to the chance of building upon Australia’s new style of play against a challenging West Asian opponent.

“During our recent training camp in Turkey we worked hard to add attacking layers to the strong defensive base the Socceroos had at this year’s (FIFA) World Cup,” Arnold said.

Over 60 ambassadors or “Playmakers” representing 19 of the 24 competing nations were welcomed by HE Aref Al Awani, with the LOC Tournament Director challenging the group to deliver the best AFC Asian Cup in history, during the welcome event in the Royal Box of the 43,000-seat stadium, which will stage the highly-anticipated opener on January 5, 2019 as well as the final match on February 1, 2019.

Addressing the group, His Excellency Aref Al Awani said: “Just as a football team needs players working in harmony, for us to succeed, the AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019 needs to be a tournament for every single football fan, from every country and culture across the continent. The Playmakers Programme reflects our ambition to partner with the real super-fans, community influencers and football lovers who will infuse the tournament with their enthusiasm. I have no doubt that they will inspire others to do the same.”

Football fans are invited to get involved, ahead of the largest sporting event ever hosted in the Middle East, by signing up for the fun-filled seven-a-side tournament which offers players the added prestige of representing one of the 24 competing Asian nations. 

With the tournament mirroring the group stage and knockout format of the AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019, football fans will come together throughout the country, as they battle to be crowned champions of the Asian Community Cup. Registration is now open to everybody aged 18 and older.

From now until September 30th, 2018, football fans can submit their slogan proposals for their favourite teams via the AFC’s social media platforms – Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, in the first phase of the contest, with the ultimate winners receiving an autographed national team jersey.

And the ultimate accolade will see the 24 winners have their slogans painted on the official team buses, which will be broadcast across the world and will ferry some of Asian football’s biggest names between the eight stadiums across the four cities, from January 5 to February 1, 2019.

AFC General Secretary Dato’ Windsor John said: “Asian football continues to make giant strides on the world stage and the remarkable growth and stature of the AFC Asian Cup exemplifies the undeniable progress of football in the Continent. Emirates have been a long-standing partner of the AFC and we would like to thank them for their firm belief in the development and ever-improving proposition of Asian football.

“Through this partnership with Emirates Holidays, we are confident that we will engage with more families, more passionate fans of all ages, from across all the five AFC regions and beyond. Together with the LOC and Emirates Holidays, the AFC is committed to staging an AFC Asian Cup of world class standards – a true celebration of Bringing Asia Together.”

Through the partnership, Emirates Holidays will offer a broad range of excellent value packages to football fans traveling to Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, Dubai and Sharjah to support their teams. Each package has been designed for country specific football fans which includes match ticket(s), accommodation and return flights with Emirates Airline.