India Slips to 136th in FIFA Rankings — Lowest in Nearly a Decade Amid Ongoing Football Crisis

Mumbai: The Indian men’s football team has hit a new low in the latest FIFA rankings, dropping to 136th place — their worst standing since November 2016. The sharp decline comes after another disappointing international break, where India’s dismal performances all but ended their hopes of qualifying for the 2027 AFC Asian Cup.

India’s downward spiral in global football rankings reflects a worrying trend for the All India Football Federation (AIFF). Just over a year ago, in July 2023, the Blue Tigers had broken into the top 100, sparking optimism about a new era for Indian football. However, since then, results have gone downhill rapidly. The team has not won a competitive match since November 2023, remaining winless for almost two years in official tournaments.

India’s recent loss to Singapore confirmed their elimination from the AFC Asian Cup qualifiers, coming on the heels of an earlier exit from the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualification campaign. The setbacks have intensified criticism over the team’s direction and the federation’s management.

The instability extends off the pitch as well. The tenure of Croatian coach Igor Stimac ended unceremoniously, followed by the brief and unsuccessful stint of Manolo Marquez. The reins have now been handed to Khalid Jamil, the first Indian to manage the national team in over two decades. While there have been flashes of improvement in gameplay, the lack of results continues to haunt the squad.

The ongoing crisis isn’t just limited to the men’s team. Domestic football in India has faced mounting concerns over governance, structure, and player development — factors that experts say have contributed to the national team’s decline.

However, there are some silver linings. The Indian women’s senior team has registered four consecutive wins in their Women’s Asian Cup qualification campaign, reviving hopes of a turnaround. Additionally, the U-17 women’s team created history by qualifying for the U-17 Asian Cup for the first time in 20 years.

As the men’s team languishes at 136th in the world, football analysts agree that urgent reforms, better grassroots development, and consistent leadership are critical if India hopes to regain its lost momentum on the international stage.

Follow us on Twitter, Google News, and Instagram and like us on Facebook for the latest updates and exciting stories.