The Indian football team experienced a significant setback in the latest FIFA rankings, dropping 15 places to 117th. This decline comes after a disappointing performance in the AFC Asian Cup, where the team failed to secure a victory in any of its three group matches.
This ranking is particularly notable as it marks India’s lowest position in seven years, with the last time the team ranked similarly being in January 2017 when it was placed at 129th. It’s worth mentioning that India’s historical worst ranking was even lower at 173, recorded in 2015.
India’s Previous Rankings
The contrast with the previous ranking, where the team was at 102nd position, highlights the magnitude of the decline. This drop underscores the challenges and shortcomings the Indian football team faced in recent competitions, indicating areas that require improvement and attention to regain momentum and competitiveness on the international stage.
India, guided by coach Igor Stimac, concluded their Asian Cup campaign in January without earning any points or scoring any goals. They suffered defeats against Australia (0-2), Uzbekistan (0-3), and Syria (0-1), culminating in a last-place finish in Group B, which comprised four teams.
During this period, notable shifts occurred in the FIFA rankings, particularly among Asian and African nations, as they competed in their respective continental championships. Despite these changes, the top 10 remained consistent, with Argentina, the reigning world champion, maintaining its position at the forefront.