India jumped two places to finish 2016 at 135, their best in the last six years, in the FIFA rankings published on Thursday. This is India's six-year highest annual ranking after 2009 when India finished at 134. National coach Stephen Constantine attributed the upsurge to all his players and the staff. "It can't be achieved without the help of the players. We have an exceptional batch of players as we are in the process of building the team for the future," Constantine said.
The rankings were the first to be issued since France beat Croatia 4-2 in the World Cup final on July 15 and also the first since FIFA replaced its much-criticised previous formula.
Sunil Chhetri might have bid adieu to his international career but he remains deeply attached to the fortunes of the team
Indian football team's downward spiral in the FIFA rankings continued as it slipped five places to 172nd in the latest chart, on Thursday.
'The National Team gaining its best ranking since December 2005 shows that we are on the upsurge. The ranking enables us to be placed in pot two when the draw for the Asian Cup Qualifiers UAE 2019 is to be conducted later this month'
But how much has the national team actually improved?
News of all that's transpired on and off the football field
Wing back Thomas Meunier also trained individually as he continues his recovery from a cheekbone fracture. He played 20 minutes in Friday's friendly loss to Egypt in Kuwait City.
The national football team is currently ranked 18th in Asia and the sports ministry's rule states that in team sport, only those in top-eight will get the nod.
With Chhetri and Stimac at helm, AIFF hoping for strong show in Asian Games
Sandesh Jhingan, upon his arrival at the airport in Doha, said, 'No group in the Asian Cup is easy. Of course, we've got Australia, and they need no introduction. But what we have learned in the last few years is that we must never fear any opposition.'
Stimac is also grappling with injuries to few of his key players. Defensive midfielder Jeakson Singh, who underwent surgery on his left shoulder early last month, was named among the 50 probables but he is uncertain to be in the final 26.
All India Football Federation (AIFF) appealed to the Sports Ministry, leading to this favorable decision.
Twin defeats to Saudi Arabia saw India plummet to 136 in the latest rankings
The All India Football Federation is exploring the possibility of selecting Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs) for the Indian football team.
India football team's coach Igor Stimac has lashed out at the referee for 'robbing' his side of victory in the semi-final of the King's Cup against Iraq.
Not only the senior team but the young Blue Colts also emerged victorious in the SAFF Men's U-19 champions after hammering Pakistan in the final and clinching a vigorous 3-0 victory.
India, who were the 127th-ranked men's team in December, dropped 12 places since.
France are joined in second place by Spain, with Germany still fourth.
Owing to their AFC Challenge Cup triumph, India rose two places in the FIFA rankings and are now at 151.
While the Indian women's football team holds the 60th position in the FIFA rankings, the men's team ranks 100.
Federation Cup revived by the AIFF in an executive committee meeting on Monday.
India also climbed four places to 131 in the latest rankings.
'It is great news (cricket in Olympics) if you are a business-person. America has a large section of Asian expats, who are crazy about cricket and they will fill the stadium and of course will follow the game on TV or streaming apps.'
Granada and Bilbao complete match suspended after supporter's death
The Indian men's team currently occupies the 18th spot among countries under the Asian Football Confederation, while the women's side is ranked 11th.
Brazil stayed atop the FIFA world rankings as the top three remained unchanged in August while Mexico continued their climb up the table as they enjoy a revival under coach Javier Aguirre.
Sports Ministry clears participation of Indian men's and women's football teams in Asian Games
India will face Pakistan in their opening outing at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium on Wednesday
The South Americans secured 2-0 victories away to Venezuela and at home to Chile earlier this month to climb above Brazil and Italy in the monthly standings.
Brazil continue to top the rankings, which has India placed at 151.
France leapfrogging Brazil and Argentina to take second spot, while world champions Italy held onto first.
India, ranked 165 in the world, are placed 32nd in Asia.
India face tough Iraq test sans Chhetri
The Indian football team has re-entered the top-100 of the FIFA world rankings and is now placed at 99th at the latest chart released on Thursday.
Sunil Chhetri will be the cynosure of all eyes as the Blue Tigers look to regain the Intercontinental Cup
Indian football team remained static at 132nd in the world rankings but moved up one place among Asian countries to the 21st spot in the latest FIFA chart issued on Wednesday.
The European champions moved to No. 14 in FIFA's latest rankings announced on Wednesday.
The World champions stayed ahead of France at the top of the world soccer rankings published on Wednesday.
© 2026 Rediff.com - Advertise with us - Disclaimer - Privacy Policy - Sitemap - Feedback - About us - Terms of use - Grievances