Chris Coleman's team held on to ninth - their highest-ever position - while England fell two places to 10th.
Beating Cyprus would leave Wales within one win of qualifying for next year's European Championship in France.
Wales boss Coleman said the rankings would be a "confidence boost" but said success was reaching Euro 2016.
Scotland have risen one place to 31st while Northern Ireland (41st) and Republic of Ireland (51st) have both fallen one position.
Wales and England are both above European champions Spain (11th) and Netherlands (12th) in a list topped by Argentina.
Coleman said: "We've been low in the rankings and had that rubbed in our face many a time.
"Now we're doing very well, certain people want to say the rankings are this and they're that, but the players deserve it.
