India men’s football slips to 136 in FIFA rankings

The Indian men’s football team has slipped to 136th in the latest FIFA rankings, marking its lowest position in nine years and effectively ending its bid to qualify for the 2027 Asian Cup. The team fell two places from its previous rank of 134, now sitting just below Kuwait and above Botswana.

This decline followed a 1-1 draw in Singapore and a 1-2 home defeat against the same opponents in Margao on October 14, results that dashed India’s hopes of progressing in the Asian Cup qualifying third round.

India’s previous low in the FIFA standings was 137 in November 2016, while the team’s all-time best ranking was 94 in February 1996. The current slump underscores the challenges Indian football faces on the international stage, highlighting the urgent need for strategic improvements and stronger performances in upcoming tournaments.