How Did India Climb to 63rd in FIFA Rankings After Historic AFC Women’s Asian Cup Qualification?

New Delhi, Aug 7 (NationPress) The Indian women’s football team has achieved a remarkable ascent in the latest FIFA rankings, moving up seven places to secure the 63rd position following a significant victory over Thailand. This triumph not only enhanced their global standing but also earned them a coveted spot in the AFC Women’s Asian Cup, representing a historic qualification based on merit.

This marks India’s highest ranking in nearly two years—the Blue Tigresses were previously positioned at 61st on August 21, 2023. Such progress reflects a resurgence in form and confidence, highlighted by a tough 2-1 win against a higher-ranked Thai team in the final qualifier.

India’s journey through the qualifiers was nothing short of dominant. The team began with a record-breaking 13-0 rout of Mongolia, their largest victory in recent history. They continued this momentum with a 4-0 triumph over Timor-Leste and a 5-0 win against Iraq, leading up to a critical showdown with Thailand, where both teams were tied on points.

Under immense pressure and facing potential elimination, India rose to the challenge. Midfielder Sangita Basfore delivered a stellar performance, scoring twice to secure a 2-1 victory and their place in the continental tournament for the first time based on performance.

This achievement holds significant meaning as India had to withdraw from the previous edition of the Asian Cup—held on home soil—due to a COVID-19 outbreak within the squad.

The qualification represents a milestone for Indian women’s football, showcasing depth, resilience, and tactical maturity. It arrives at a time when the sport is striving for greater visibility and support within the nation.

On Wednesday, the India U20 women’s team was held to a goalless draw against Indonesia at the Thuwunna Stadium in their opening Group D match of the AFC U20 Women’s Asian Cup 2026 Qualifiers.

Meanwhile, the Indian U17 girls' team has been placed in Group G of the AFC U17 Women’s Asian Cup 2026 Qualifiers, alongside Uzbekistan and the host nation, the Kyrgyz Republic. Their matches will be conducted in Bishkek from October 13 to 17, 2025, with the Young Tigresses kicking off against the Kyrgyz Republic on October 13 before facing Uzbekistan in a potentially decisive encounter on October 17.

In the women’s competition, 27 teams are divided into eight groups. The eight group winners will advance to the AFC U17 Women’s Asian Cup 2026 in China, where they will be joined by DPR Korea, Japan, the Republic of Korea, and the hosts, China PR, to form a 12-team final tournament.