Australia are confirmed in top spot and Scotland have climbed to a new high of fourth in the latest world rugby league rankings.
The Kangaroos reclaimed the number one position from New Zealand after beating them 34-8 in the final of the Ladbrokes Four Nations Series at Anfield on Sunday.
England remain third, losing ground on their rivals after their poor showing in the Four Nations, while the biggest climbers are Scotland, who became the first team outside the top three to take a point in the Tri or Four Nations when they held the Kiwis to an 18-18 draw in Workington.
That enabled Steve McCormack's men to move up five places from ninth going into the 2017 World Cup.
"This is a very exciting moment for Scotland Rugby League," said SRL chairman Keith Hogg.
"This is a real boost for the sport in Scotland and everyone involved will be working hard to make the most of the increased exposure this landmark brings."
For the first time USA and Canada, who have been jointly awarded the 2025 World Cup, appear in the top 12.
The 2016 international season featured the most accredited international matches since official rankings began.
The top 10 are: 1. Australia; 2. New Zealand; 3. England; 4. Scotland; 5. Samoa; 6. France; 7. Fiji; 8. Ireland; 9. Wales; 10. USA.
