A silver medal in the 2014 Asian Cup has helped the Matildas return to the top 10 in the latest FIFA Women's World rankings.

The rankings took into account 154 matches with Australia's win over Brazil in April and three wins, one draw and loss, to eventual champions Japan in the Asian Cup, seeing them jump two places to ninth, displacing fellow AFC members DPR Korea (11th).

Australia now becomes the second ranked nation in the strong Asian Football Confederation. Newly crowned Asian Cup champions Japan remain the top AFC country (unchanged in third) while Asian Cup bronze medallists China rose three places to 13th.

Australia's return to the top echelon was the only movement in the top 10 but further down the rankings Denmark continued their free fall to an all time low of 15 (down 2) and Switzerland, who have qualified for the Women’s World Cup for the first time, gained their highest ever ranking of 19 (up 3).

The next FIFA Women’s World Ranking will be published on 19 September 2014.