- Lowest Ranking in Nine Years : India’s ranking in football has plummeted to 133rd, its lowest in nine years.
- Poor Performances: The team has struggled to find its footing, with two losses in June, including a defeat to lower-ranked Hong Kong.
- Tough Road Ahead: India’s upcoming fixtures are not going to be easy, with tough games against Singapore, Bangladesh, and Hong Kong.
- Need for a Major Overhaul: The Challenge: The team needs to regroup and reassess its strategy to make a strong comeback and qualify for the 2027 Asian Cup.
The Indian Men’s Football Team: A Troubled Phase
The Indian men’s football team has hit an all-time low, plummeting to its lowest ranking in nine years. The team dropped six places to 133rd in the latest FIFA rankings released in July 2025, a dismal reflection of its recent performances. Two losses in June, including a humiliating defeat to lower-ranked Hong Kong, have sealed the fate of head coach Manolo Marquez, who has parted ways with the All India Football Federation (AIFF).
A Disappointing Run
India’s recent run has been nothing short of disastrous. The team lost to Thailand (0-2) in an international friendly on June 4, followed by a shocking defeat to Hong Kong (0-1) in an Asian Cup qualifying round match. These losses have not only dented the team’s confidence but also raised serious questions about the coaching staff’s strategies and the players’ performances.
A Low Point in Indian Football
The last time the Indian team had a worse ranking was in December 2016, when it was placed at 135. India’s best-ever ranking was 94 in February 1996, a testament to the team’s potential and capabilities. However, the current ranking is a far cry from those glory days. With 1113.22 rating points, India has fallen significantly from its previous ranking, highlighting the need for a major overhaul.
Asian Rankings
India is currently ranked 24th among the 46 Asian (AFC) countries, with Japan leading the pack at 17th. This ranking is a stark reminder of the team’s struggles and the need to improve its performance. The loss against Hong Kong has put India in a precarious position in its bid to qualify for the 2027 Asian Cup, with the team bottom of its group with one point from two games.
Tough Road Ahead
India’s upcoming fixtures are not going to be easy. The team faces tough games against Singapore (home and away), Bangladesh (away), and Hong Kong (home). With only the group winners qualifying, India needs to regroup and reassess its strategy to make a strong comeback.
A Year of Struggles
After spending the whole of 2024 without a win, India crashed out of FIFA World Cup qualifying. Under Marquez’s tutelage, India logged just one win from its last eight matches, the lone victory coming against Maldives in March. This year, India has played four matches, winning one, drawing one, and losing two. The poor results and lack of goals have prompted the return of former skipper and iconic striker Sunil Chhetri to the squad, but that has done little to improve the team’s fortunes.
What’s Next?
India’s next scheduled international match is an away fixture against Singapore in the third round of Asian Cup qualifiers in October. The team needs to regroup and reassess its strategy to make a strong comeback. With world champions Argentina leading the overall FIFA rankings, followed by Spain, France, England, Brazil, Portugal, the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, and Croatia, India has a long way to go to reach the top echelons of international football.
The Indian men’s football team is at a crossroads. With a new coach and a revamped strategy, the team can turn its fortunes around. But for now, it’s a bleak outlook, and the fans can only hope for a turnaround in the team’s performance.
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