The Republic of Ireland are up to 21st in FIFA's latest world rankings.
Giovanni Trapattoni's men have climbed four places following their Euro 2012 play-off success against Estonia and now sit just outside the top 20.
World champions Spain remain at number one despite their recent defeat to England, who have moved up to fifth thanks to that win and the victory over Sweden.
Holland, beaten by Spain in the 2010 World Cup final, sit second but they have Germany breathing down their neck, while Uruguay remain fourth after a 13th successive win.
Brazil's slide down the rankings continues with the South American side now sixth with Portugal climbing one place to seventh and Croatia moving up four places to eighth.
The top ten is completed by Italy, who drop one place, and Argentina.
There was disappointment for Northern Ireland as they drop five places to 89th while Scotland are up two places to 49th with Wales 50th despite an impressive run of results under new manager Gary Speed.