Why Has India Fallen to 136 in FIFA Rankings? Spain Retains the Top Position
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Synopsis
Indian football faces a significant setback as the national team drops to 136th in FIFA rankings, marking its lowest position in almost a decade. This decline follows a promising rise and highlights ongoing challenges within the team. Can they turn their fortunes around?
Key Takeaways
- India is currently ranked 136th in FIFA.
- The team has faced multiple coaching changes.
- They last won a competitive match nearly a year ago.
- Spain maintains its top ranking in FIFA.
- The rankings will affect future tournament seedings.
New Delhi, Oct 17 (NationPress) The Indian football team’s struggles on the global stage persist as the men’s senior national squad has dropped to 136th place in the most recent FIFA World Rankings, marking their lowest standing since November 2016.
This latest ranking, revealed on Friday, exacerbates the Blue Tigers' challenges as they are now out of the running for both the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the 2027 AFC Asian Cup.
Initially regarded as an ascending team following their victories in the Intercontinental Cup, SAFF Championship, and Tri-Nation Series in 2023, India’s trajectory has taken a sharp downturn in the past year.
The period of optimism—when they entered the top 100 of the rankings—was overshadowed by a disappointing AFC Asian Cup campaign in Qatar earlier this year, where they were eliminated in the group stage without scoring a single goal, suffering three defeats.
Since then, the national team has faced instability, changing head coaches three times in less than two years. Igor Štimac was the first to depart, succeeded by Manolo Márquez, who was later replaced by Khalid Jamil earlier this year.
Despite moments of progress under Jamil—especially during the CAFA Nations Cup, a friendly tournament showcasing tactical enhancements—the results in crucial matches have been lackluster.
The team’s last win in a competitive match dates back almost a year, a 1-0 victory against Kuwait in November 2023.
On a global level, Spain has maintained its top ranking in the FIFA men’s standings, followed by World Cup champions Argentina and third-placed France. The top eight also includes England, Portugal, the Netherlands, Brazil, and Belgium. Germany moved up two spots to 10th after consecutive qualifying wins over Luxembourg and Northern Ireland, while Croatia, the runners-up of the 2018 World Cup, fell to 11th following a draw with the Czech Republic.
The updated rankings will influence seedings for the expanded 48-team 2026 World Cup draw, set to occur on December 5. The three co-hosts—the United States, Canada, and Mexico—will be joined by the nine highest-ranked direct qualifiers in the top-seed pot, securing Germany’s probable inclusion.
Point of View
It's crucial to recognize that the trajectory of Indian football reflects the complexities of sports management. The recent drop in FIFA rankings is not just a number; it signifies deeper issues within the national team. Stability in coaching and consistent performance are vital for regaining the trust of fans and aspiring players alike. We must support our athletes during these challenging times and advocate for strategic improvements.
NationPress
17/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What caused India to drop in FIFA rankings?
India's drop in FIFA rankings can be attributed to poor performance in international competitions, including a disappointing AFC Asian Cup campaign where they failed to score any goals.
When was India's last competitive win?
India's last competitive victory occurred in November 2023, where they won 1-0 against Kuwait.
How does this ranking affect future competitions?
The current FIFA ranking will influence India's seeding in upcoming tournaments, including the 2026 FIFA World Cup draw.
