India plunge to 9-year low in FIFA rankings, Pakistan slip to 201

The Indian men's football team have slipped to a nine-year low in FIFA rankings. The latest update, published on July 10, puts the Blue Tigers in the 133rd position.

India were ranked 135th in the world in December 2016, but bounced back and maintained their position in the 100-110 range till December 2023.

India's position has witnessed a steady decline since then, falling from 117 in February 2024 to 127 in April this year. Consecutive defeats in June were the reason for India losing six more places. India lost 0-2 to Thailand in a friendly on June 4 before suffering a 0-1 defeat to Hong Kong in an AFC Asian Cup third-round qualifier in Kowloon.

The All India Football Federation (AIFF) are looking for a new head coach, having parted ways with Spaniard Manolo Marquez. India next play Singapore in an Asian Cup qualifier on October 9, 2025.

Meanwhile, neighbours Pakistan slipped to a lowly rank of 201. War-ravaged Palestine climbed to double-digits again to reach 98 from the previous ranking of 101.

World Champions Argentina remain on top, followed by Spain, France, England and Brazil. Nations League winners Portugal moved up a place to 6th, displacing the Netherlands.