By The Indian men’s national football team has hit a new low in the global arena, slipping to 133rd in the latest FIFA World Rankings, marking their worst standing since December 2016. The six-place drop from the previous update comes on the back of a string of poor performances, highlighting deep-rooted issues in the current setup and raising alarm bells just months ahead of a crucial Asian Cup qualifying fixture against Singapore.
This drop in rankings is the culmination of a frustrating run of results, administrative uncertainty, and a team seemingly bereft of direction, identity, and confidence. The recent defeats — a 0-2 loss to Thailand in a friendly and a 0-1 upset at the hands of a lower-ranked Hong Kong side in the Asian Cup Qualifiers — have only added to India’s woes, sparking criticism from fans and experts alike.
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Slump Under Marquez Ends in Exit
The losses were part of a disappointing run under Spanish head coach Manolo Marquez, who has now parted ways with the team. The All India Football Federation (AIFF) confirmed Marquez’s departure, citing a mutual agreement.
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While Satyanarayan acknowledged that talks of a separation had begun earlier, the final call was taken during the Executive Committee meeting held earlier this month. The federation is now in search of a new head coach, although there is currently no shortlist or timeline in place.
Lost Momentum
Under Marquez’s brief tenure, India managed just one win in their last eight games — a solitary victory over the Maldives in March 2025. Their 2025 calendar so far reads:
These numbers represent a stark decline from the progress many believed India was making just a few years ago. The team has been unable to build on the optimism generated during the 2023 SAFF Championship win and the near-qualification for the third round of 2024 World Cup qualifiers.
The loss to Hong Kong — a team ranked below India before the match — proved to be a particularly bitter pill, costing the team both morale and valuable FIFA ranking points. India’s rating now stands at 1113.22, down from 1132.03, leaving them 24th among 46 Asian Football Confederation (AFC) members, a far cry from continental leaders Japan (17th overall).
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Sunil Chhetri’s Comeback Fails to Lift Spirits
In a desperate bid to arrest the slide, the Indian football federation recalled Sunil Chhetri — the country’s most iconic player — from retirement in early 2025. While his leadership and passion remain invaluable, Chhetri, now 40, hasn’t been able to single-handedly shift the team’s fortunes.
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His presence did little to prevent the Thailand and Hong Kong defeats, and many critics are questioning whether the reliance on veterans reflects a deeper issue of stagnation in youth development and tactical innovation.
Ranking History: From 135 to 94 and Now Back
India’s drop to 133rd is its lowest FIFA ranking since December 2016, when the team sat at 135. The highest-ever FIFA ranking for the Indian men’s team was 94 in February 1996, during a period of relative stability and strong performances in regional competitions.
The current slide reflects not just recent losses but also long-term underperformance, lack of a consistent development strategy, and failure to maintain continuity in coaching and team structure.
The Road Ahead: Singapore and Asian Cup Qualification
With head coach Marquez gone and morale low, India must now prepare for their next international test — an away clash against Singapore in October during the third round of the Asian Cup qualifiers. The fixture could well be pivotal not just in terms of qualification but in restoring confidence and regaining some footing in international football.
Singapore, ranked 158th as of the last update, is not to be underestimated. Playing at home, they will sense an opportunity to capitalise on India’s fragile form. The pressure will be squarely on India to deliver — and deliver convincingly.
Failure to win in Singapore would likely end India’s hopes of qualifying for the 2027 AFC Asian Cup and possibly result in another fall in FIFA rankings, dragging the team closer to the irrelevance of the late 2000s when India often found itself ranked near the 160s.
Leadership Vacuum and the Search for Stability
With Marquez gone and no successor lined up, India faces an unsettling period. The upcoming appointment will be crucial, as the next head coach will not only be tasked with achieving results but also overhauling the team’s structure, approach, and psychology.
There is growing consensus among Indian football experts that the AIFF must take a more holistic approach — focusing not just on results, but on grassroots development, state-level competition, and integration of young talent into the national squad.
Moreover, the national team setup must shift from reactive firefighting — like calling Chhetri back — to a sustainable long-term roadmap. This includes technical upskilling of coaching staff, exposure to competitive international fixtures, and support for Indian players to play abroad in more competitive leagues.
Fan Discontent and Social Media Backlash
The Indian football community — particularly fans on social media — has not held back in expressing their disappointment. Hashtags like #SaveIndianFootball and #AIFFOut trended briefly following the defeat to Hong Kong and the release of the new rankings.
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The discontent is not limited to results alone. Fans are demanding more transparency from the AIFF, better communication with supporters, and a clear plan of action moving forward. With Indian football increasingly reliant on fan engagement for sponsorship and media coverage, ignoring this growing unrest could be costly.
A Pivotal Moment in Indian Football
The Indian men’s national football team finds itself at a crossroads in 2025. The FIFA rankings may be just a number, but they reflect the deeper systemic cracks that have developed over the past two years. From failing to retain coaching talent, an over-reliance on veterans, and tactical stagnation to inadequate youth integration — India’s footballing journey is in urgent need of course correction.
The upcoming Asian Cup qualifier in October presents both a challenge and an opportunity. With the right appointment, renewed energy, and smart planning, India could begin to climb again. But if missteps continue, the national team risks drifting further into obscurity, undoing years of incremental progress.
It’s time for Indian football to stop papering over cracks and start building a foundation strong enough to withstand the rigours of modern international football. The rankings may have fallen, but the game isn’t lost — not yet.
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