SCOTLAND have risen 15 places to number 43 in the FIFA world rankings following victories over Lithuania and Malta.
Gordon Strachan's side kept hopes of reaching Russia 2018 alive at the start of September by taking maximum points from a double-header for the first time in a decade.
A 3-0 win in Vilnius was followed by a 2-0 victory against the Maltese minnows at Hampden Park, meaning the Scots will secure second place in Group F by beating Slovakia and Slovenia next month.
The result has seen the national team leap 15 places up FIFA's ranking of international teams into 43rd place, overtaking the likes of Nigeria, Cameroon, Greece and Australia.
It is Scotland's highest ranking in three years, since reaching the number 36 spot in 2014.
Elsewhere, Germany have moved ahead of Brazil into top spot while Portugal have risen to third place ahead of Argentina.
Wales have leapfrogged England after the international break, moving up five places into 13th while Gareth Southgate's side have dropped by two spots to 15th.
Northern Ireland have also improved their placing by moving three places up into 20th, while the Republic of Ireland have not fared so well as they drop five spots to 34th.
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