New Delhi: The Indian men’s football team has dropped six places to 142nd in the latest FIFA world rankings, issued on Wednesday, following a 0–1 defeat to Bangladesh in the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers — the side’s first loss to the neighbours in more than two decades.
The setback in Dhaka on Tuesday has deepened concerns over India’s rapid decline in global standings.
The team, coached by Khalid Jamil, has now fallen 40 spots in less than two years, down from 102nd in December 2023.
India have already exited the Asian Cup qualification race after a shock defeat to Singapore in Goa last month, adding to mounting frustration among supporters.
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The new ranking is India’s lowest since October 2016, when the team was placed 148th. Within Asia, India now stand 27th among 46 nations.
Japan leads the continent at 18th in the global list, followed by Iran (20th), South Korea (22nd), Australia (26th) and Uzbekistan (50th).
India’s highest-ever FIFA ranking was 94, achieved in February 1996.
