Colombia have equalled their highest Fifa world ranking of third, while Germany remain at the summit of the standings.
Jose Pekerman's side were beaten 1-0 by Brazil in a friendly in Miami on September 5, but have still moved ahead of Netherlands, who suffered back-to-back defeats, to Italy and Czech Republic, under new boss Guus Hiddink.
Colombia have only previously occupied third place in the rankings on two occasions, in July and August 2013, but their hopes of moving any higher look slim given their vast points deficit to Germany and second-placed Argentina.
World champions Germany strengthened their grip on top spot after a Thomas Muller double saw them beat Scotland 2-1 in their opening match of the Euro 2016 qualifiers.
Brazil's wins over Colombia and Ecuador see them move up one place to sixth at the expense of Uruguay (seventh) and Spain (eighth), with Belgium still in fifth position, while France swap positions with Switzerland to occupy ninth.
Bosnia-Herzegovina slipped out of the top 20 after their 2-1 defeat to Cyprus in Zenica, while Wales moved to 29th thanks to their win over Andorra. Gareth Bale's double against the European minnows sees Chris Coleman's side move to within two places of their highest-ever ranking of 27th.
Meanwhile, the biggest climbers were Guatemala, the Concacaf nation surging 77 places up the rankings to 57th after victories over Honduras, Belize and El Salvador during qualifying for the Gold Cup.
