The Indian men’s football team broke into the top 100 FIFA rankings for the first time since 2018, moving up one position to 99th after winning the SAFF Championship. Earlier this month, India defeated strong likes of Lebanon and Kuwait on penalties in the semifinal and final of the SAFF Championships in Bengaluru.
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Lebanon also gained two places to be just below India at 100th spot. Kuwait moved up four places to be at 137th in the latest FIFA chart issued on Thursday. West Asian countries Lebanon and Kuwait were invited in the SAFF Championships to ensure strong competition in the tournament.
India now have 1208.69 points.
India’s best FIFA ranking was 94th, attained in 1996. The country had also reached 99th spot in 1993 and 96th in 2017 and 2018. It was placed at 100th last month. Overall, world champions Argentina continued to be at the top, followed by France, Brazil, England and Belgium.
In Asia, Japan led the chart at 20th spot, followed by Iran (22), Australia (27), Korea (28) and Saudi Arabia (54) in top five.
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The Indian Football Team is determined to build upon their recent triumphs. Wishing carry their remarkable momentum into the AFC Asian Cup scheduled for January. In the coming months, they have significant tasks lined up. Which includes participation in the King’s Cup in Thailand (September) and the Merdeka Cup in Malaysia (October). Along with engaging in international fixtures during the November-December period.
Subsequently, they will enter the FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifiers, where they will face formidable adversaries like Australia, Uzbekistan, and Syria. Sunil Chhetri and his team are eagerly anticipating these forthcoming challenges, embracing the excitement and opportunities that lie ahead.
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