The All Whites were the biggest movers in the latest FIFA rankings released yesterday, moving up 30 places since May to be ranked 57th in the world.
Despite not playing a game since March, New Zealand has benefitted from other nations sliding backwards and now sit 10 spots off their highest ever ranking from August 2002.
New Zealand - who were ranked 130th in May last year - also now sit just 10 places below Australia, who are in the middle of a tough World Cup qualifying campaign in the Asian Football Confedration.
There was no change in the top four spots with Germany, Argentina and Croatia trailing Spain.
Five-time world champions Brazil hit a record low of 22nd, after stuttering to four draws in their last six games.
