Overview

• India fell six spots to 133rd in FIFA’s July rankings, marking its lowest standing since 2016.
• Chaubey said FIFA’s Elo-based formula adds or subtracts points based on match results and opponent strength, which he argues amplifies year-on-year swings.
• Group-stage losses at the 2024 AFC Asian Cup to Australia, Uzbekistan and Syria, followed by five defeats in 12 subsequent fixtures including a loss to Qatar, eroded India’s ranking points.
• Despite growth in stadium infrastructure and the Indian Super League, Chaubey warned that most investment has flowed into club football rather than the national team’s development.
• He said wins over stronger teams in the CAFA Nations Cup and remaining Asian Cup qualifiers could trigger a recovery in India’s ranking.