The New Caledonia football side has earned a pyschological boost ahead of this weekend's opening World Cup qualifier against New Zealand in Noumea.
In the latest FIFA rankings New Caledonia has leap frogged New Zealand, jumping 21 places, to be ranked 95 in the world.
New Zealand remain unchanged, viewed as the world's 111th best team.
Australia has dropped one place to 39th while Fiji has risen three to be ranked 143rd.
Vanuatu is up one to 150 while the Solomon Islands have tumbled 24 places to 153.
Samoa has also suffered, slipping 22 places to be ranked 177.
Tonga is 187 on FIFA's list while Papua new Guinea and American Samoa share 200th place.
