The Indian men’s football team has plummeted to its lowest FIFA ranking in nine years, dropping six places to 133rd in the latest rankings released on Thursday, July 10, 2025. This significant setback comes on the heels of two disappointing losses in June, further jeopardizing the team’s aspirations for major international tournaments. Meanwhile, reigning world champions Argentina continue to assert their dominance, holding onto the coveted top spot.
A Steep Decline for India
The Blue Tigers’ slide to 133rd marks a concerning period for Indian football. The last time the team had a worse ranking was in December 2016, when they were placed 135th. This recent drop is largely attributed to their losses against Thailand (0-2 in an international friendly on June 4) and a lower-ranked Hong Kong (0-1 in an Asian Cup qualifying match). These results have not only impacted their ranking but also led to the departure of head coach Manolo Marquez.
India’s current rating points stand at 1113.22, a decrease from their previous 1132.03. Within Asia, they now sit at 24th among 46 countries, with Japan leading the continental charge at 17th globally. The team’s poor run of form has been a consistent issue, with only one win in their last eight matches under Marquez’s tenure, a solitary victory against Maldives in March. Despite the return of iconic striker Sunil Chhetri, the team’s fortunes have yet to turn around.
Road Ahead and Challenges
The loss to Hong Kong has significantly complicated India’s bid to qualify for the 2027 Asian Cup. The team’s next scheduled international match is an away fixture against Singapore in the third round of Asian Cup qualifiers, set for October. The All India Football Federation (AIFF) is currently searching for a new head coach, hoping to bring stability and a fresh approach to a struggling squad. India’s best-ever FIFA ranking was 94th, achieved in February 1996, a stark contrast to their current position.
Argentina Firmly at the Summit
In stark contrast to India’s struggles, Lionel Messi’s Argentina remains the undisputed leader in the FIFA rankings. The reigning world champions continue to hold the number one position with a commanding lead in points. Their consistent performance and recent triumphs have solidified their standing as the premier footballing nation globally.
The latest FIFA rankings see some minor shifts among the elite, but the top five remain unchanged. Following Argentina at the top are Spain, France, England, and Brazil, completing the top five. Portugal has climbed one place to sixth, with the Netherlands dropping to seventh. Belgium holds steady at eighth, while Germany has moved up to ninth. Croatia re-entered the top 10, pushing Italy down to eleventh.
