The Indian men’s football team has dropped to 133rd in the FIFA world rankings, its lowest in nine years, after losses to Thailand and Hong Kong in June 2025. The fall in India’s FIFA ranking comes after a poor run of just one win in 16 matches and only five goals scored in two years, leading to the exit of coach Manolo Márquez.
According to ESPN India, India’s rating fell from 1132.03 to 1113.22, its lowest since 2016. For Indian football to make a comeback, the next few months will be crucial because FIFA won’t be updating until September 2025.
A Decline Caused by Failures and Inadequate Objectives
India’s recent poor performance was a big cause in their slide. They lost a friendly match to Thailand 2-0 on June 4. They then lost 1-0 to lower-ranked Hong Kong in a 2027 AFC Asian Cup qualifying match, which was another unfortunate result.
Apart from costing India valuable FIFA points, these defeats also cast doubt on the team’s general performance. The decline in India’s FIFA ranking is part of a larger issue: just one win in their last 16 matches and only five goals in two years.
The slump in performance eventually led to the exit of head coach Manolo Márquez, who left by mutual agreement with the All India Football Federation (AIFF).
India now ranks 24th among 46 AFC nations, far behind Asia’s top teams like Japan, who are 17th in the world.
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[TRENDING] Fans Speak Out as Frustration Grows Online
The sharp fall in India’s FIFA ranking triggered strong reactions across social media.
One user commented, “Bureaucracy has destroyed our football team man… 😔😔plus diet and bad grassroot level infrastructure are 2 other major problems :(.”
Bureaucracy has destroyed our football team man… 😔😔plus diet and bad grassroot level infrastructure are 2 other major problems :(
— theAloneOne (@theAloneOne_2) July 11, 2025
Another user replied, “Ek proper player nahi hain. Stupid hype thats all. Even fourth division strikers in England are better than Sunil Chhetri. Most pathetic quality is there of football in India.”
Ek proper player nahi hain. Stupid hype thats all. Even fourth division strikers in England are better than sunil chhetri. Most pathetic quality is there of football in India
— MG (@MG19001900) July 10, 2025
A Wake-Up Call That Can’t Be Ignored
This sudden dip in India’s FIFA ranking isn’t just about a couple of losses — it reflects long-term problems. Poor organization, a lack of foreign exposure, and reliance on a small number of experienced players have all played a part.
The numbers are honest. One victory in 16 games is a significant drop, not a normal occurrence. India may drop considerably lower in the world rankings if these trends persist.
The pressure is on with a crucial game against Singapore in October. If the squad wants to be competitive in Asia, it must proceed quickly.
Amit Mishra‘s Take
Despite India’s poor FIFA rating right now, there is still hope for improvement. The team has young potential, but they require the proper direction and preparation.
In order to give the squad time to recover and return stronger, the next FIFA update is anticipated in September.
This drop may be the lowest in years, but it could also be the turning point. With the right moves, India’s FIFA ranking can improve — and bring back pride to Indian football.
