The Indian men's football team has experienced a significant setback, dropping to 133rd in the FIFA rankings, which marks its worst position in nine years. This decline reflects a concerning trend for Indian football, highlighting issues both on and off the field.
This recent slump in the FIFA rankings can be attributed to the team's performance in June, where they suffered two defeats. India lost an international friendly against Thailand 2-0 on June 4, followed by a 1-0 defeat to Hong Kong in an Asian Cup qualifying match. These losses have not only impacted their ranking but also jeopardized their chances of qualifying for the 2027 Asian Cup. The team currently possesses 1113.22 rating points, a decrease from their previous 1132.03. Among Asian countries, India ranks 24th out of 46.
Adding to the turmoil, the disappointing performance led to head coach Manolo Marquez's departure from the All India Football Federation (AIFF). Under Marquez's brief tenure, the team managed only one win in eight matches, a victory against the Maldives in March. In 2024, India has played four matches, winning one, drawing one, and losing two. The team's struggles have persisted despite the return of veteran striker Sunil Chhetri to the squad.
India's last worse ranking was in December 2016, when it was placed at 135. The country's best-ever FIFA ranking was 94, achieved in February 1996. The team's current standing underscores the challenges it faces in competing at the international level. Several factors influence a team's FIFA ranking, including match results, the strength of opponents, and consistency in performance.
Looking ahead, India is scheduled to play an away fixture against Singapore in the third round of Asian Cup qualifiers in October. To improve its ranking and overall performance, the Indian football team needs to focus on several key areas:
The current situation demands a reset and a focus on long-term development to regain competitiveness and improve its FIFA ranking.
