The Blue Tigers are placed 133rd after the defeat against Hong Kong
The mood within the Indian football team‘s fan community is beginning to sour, and not without reason. With every passing fixture, the Blue Tigers continue to slide further down the FIFA rankings. Their latest setback—a disappointing defeat to a lower-ranked Hong Kong in the AFC Asian Cup qualifiers—has pushed India down by five spots, leaving them stranded at 133rd in the world.
Naturally, concern is growing louder. Conversations across the footballing circles are increasingly laced with criticism, frustration, and a sense of stagnation. But for many long-time followers of the Indian football team, it feels more like history repeating itself.
India’s lowest FIFA ranking
Nearly a decade ago, in 2015, Indian football team endured one of their lowest periods, falling to their all-time lowest FIFA ranking of 173. That year, the team looked completely out of sorts—one win, a goalless draw, and a string of losses defined a forgettable campaign.
Despite Indian football team starting with a win over Nepal, the cracks began to show soon after—a goalless draw away, followed by back-to-back defeats to Oman and a then-lower-ranked Guam, both ending 2-1. Things only worsened with heavy losses to powerhouses like Iran and Turkmenistan.
With just one win to show for the entire qualifying cycle, India looked disjointed, lacking structure, rhythm, and most importantly, belief. The poor performances were reflected both on the pitch and in the rankings.
Some familiar signs of decline return
Back then, India’s campaign was marred by inconsistency and heartbreak. Their problems were clear: a lack of structure, no visible tactical plan, and a team that struggled to create or convert chances. Worryingly, some of those same signs are starting to show again a decade later.
Under new head coach Manolo Marquez, expectations were cautiously optimistic. However, the results have failed to inspire. In his first eight games, the Indian football team have managed just one win and are currently on a five-game goal drought.
Against Hong Kong, India struggled to impose themselves despite the opposition’s passive approach. One late error, a clumsy challenge by Vishal Kaith in stoppage time, handed Hong Kong the win through a penalty.
At the other end, India created chances but lacked composure. The midfield did offer some structure, and the wings showed flashes of intent, but once again, there was no real threat in the final third. Even Sunil Chhetri’s return hasn’t changed the outcome of games, as India continue to look toothless in attack. The alarming part is not just the results but the sense of confusion surrounding the squad.
Today’s decline certainly mirrors the desperation of 2015, and the warning signs are all too familiar. Tactical uncertainty, lack of cohesive performance, inconsistency, the visible frustration among supporters, growing criticism from former players, and an absence of measurable progress have all returned.
But waiting to hit rock bottom again cannot be the plan. The drop to 173 should remain as a lesson, not a benchmark for acceptance. If the ecosystem—the federation, the clubs—fails to intervene decisively and swiftly, this Indian football team risk attaining yet another ‘lowest’ point.
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