What is Indian Football team's highest FIFA ranking ever?

The Indian Football team reached their highest ever ranking in 1996

With defeats to teams like Thailand and even a lower-ranked side like Hong Kong, the Indian Football Team have slipped to 133rd in the latest FIFA rankings. But there was a time—nearly three decades ago—when Indian football proudly stood among the top 100 teams in the world. That moment, once a source of inspiration, now feels more distant than ever.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Khel Now (@khelnow)

India’s highest-ever FIFA ranking

In 1996, Indian Football team achieved their highest-ever FIFA ranking—94th. While the national team wasn’t making global headlines, they were quietly considered one of the stronger sides in Asia. A string of steady performances in tournaments like the SAFF Championship and the Nehru Cup helped India climb up the ranks.

That rise was driven by a golden generation led by the likes of IM Vijayan, Bhaichung Bhutia, Jo Paul Ancheri and Tejinder Kumar. Despite a few setbacks against teams like Indonesia, Qatar, and Malaysia, crucial wins over the Philippines and Sri Lanka kept India moving in the right direction. The climb wasn’t flashy, but it was built on discipline and consistency.

Constantine’s reign and the return of belief

A glimpse of that upward trajectory returned in 2017, when Indian Football team reached their second-best FIFA ranking—96. Under coach Stephen Constantine, the Blue Tigers developed a reputation for being tough to break down. His tactics were often labelled defensive and unattractive, but they delivered results.

That team struck a balance between youthful flair and experienced heads. Sunil Chhetri, leading from the front, guided India to wins over Cambodia, Myanmar, and the Kyrgyz Republic. The team wasn’t just winning matches—they were building momentum. Constantine’s structure brought with it belief, and most importantly, consistency.

Not a miracle, but a method

The peaks of 1996 and 2017 weren’t strokes of luck. They were the result of methodical planning, discipline, and seizing the right moments. India’s brief rise inside the top 100 wasn’t a miracle—it was built on intent, stability, and faith in a clear system.

Now, as the Indian Football team stare down another low in their rankings journey, it’s clear the climb back up won’t be easy. What’s needed is not a miracle, but a plan. The hunger must return. The discipline must be rediscovered. The belief must be restored.

To rise again, Indian football must learn from its past, commit to its present, and fight with intent every single match. Because if history has taught us anything, it’s that Indian football doesn’t lack talent—it only needs the right conditions to thrive.

For more updates, follow Khel Now on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube; download the Khel Now Android App or IOS App and join our community on Whatsapp & Telegram.