By Indian football, the national team has fallen 15 places to the 117th position in the latest FIFA rankings, registering its lowest position in the past seven years. This decline follows the team’s underwhelming performance at the AFC Asian Cup, where it failed to secure a single point, losing all three of its group matches. This current ranking is a stark contrast to the 102nd position India held in the rankings issued on December 21, 2023, and it marks a concerning trend for the team and its management.
The AFC Asian Cup emerged as a significant hurdle for the Indian team, led by coach Igor Stimac. Competing in Group B, the team faced defeats against Australia (0-2), Uzbekistan (0-3), and Syria (0-1), culminating in a campaign that saw India finish last in its group without scoring a single goal. This performance significantly impacted India’s standing in the global football hierarchy, shedding light on the areas requiring urgent attention and improvement.
The aftermath of the Asian Cup was not just a blow to the team’s morale but also to its FIFA ranking, as India lost 35.63 rating points. This adjustment placed India between Togo (116th) and Guinea-Bissau (118th), ranking it 22nd among Asian nations—a position that underscores the need for introspection and strategic planning to reclaim lost ground.
Despite the fluctuations seen in the rankings due to the Asian and African continental championships, the top-10 global rankings remained unchanged. World champion Argentina continues to lead, followed by France, England, Belgium, and Brazil, showcasing the established dominance of these footballing powerhouses.
The rankings revealed significant movements among Asian and African countries, attributed to their performances in continental championships. Notably, Asian Cup champions Qatar soared 21 places to the 37th position, signaling their rising prominence in international football. However, Japan, despite dropping one spot, remains the highest-ranked Asian nation at 18th. The tournament also saw Jordan, the surprise runners-up, climb 17 places to occupy the 70th spot, highlighting the dynamic nature of international football rankings.
The recent rankings serve as a wake-up call for Indian football, highlighting the urgency for a strategic overhaul and focused development programs. As the team navigates through this challenging phase, the emphasis must be on building a resilient framework that can foster talent, enhance performance, and ultimately, improve India’s standing in the international arena. With the right approach and commitment, the Indian football team can aim to overcome its current setbacks and strive towards a brighter future on the global stage.
