Men’s Football Hits All-Time Low, Women’s Team Books Historic AFC Spot

India’s football scene is living a story of contrasts. As the men’s national team drops to its lowest FIFA ranking in 9 years (133rd), the women’s team creates history, directly qualifying for the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026 — their first automatic entry in over two decades.

Men’s Team Slips to 133rd: A Wake-Up Call
The Indian men’s football team’s back-to-back defeats against Thailand (0–2) and Hong Kong (0–1) in the recent Asian qualifiers have cost them dearly.

FIFA Rank: Slipped to 133 (worst since 2016)

Failed to qualify for Round 3 of World Cup qualifiers

Coach Manolo Márquez steps down, furthering uncertainty

No goals scored in last 3 matches

The fans are disheartened. The federation is under fire. And the question lingers: Where is the direction?

Also read : India Set for Gold Medal Clash Against Chinese Taipei in Archery World Cup 2025 Final https://clickingtosports.com/india-womens-archery-final-madrid-2025/

Women’s Team Rise: Hope from the Grassroots
In a complete turnaround of emotions, the Indian women’s football team delivered a massive high for the country. They qualified directly for the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026, set to be hosted in Uzbekistan.

This is the team’s first automatic qualification in 22 years, driven by improved rankings, performances in SAFF Championships, and structured development.

Top-8 ranking in Asia secured the berth

Features breakout names like Kiran Pisda, a tribal footballer from Chhattisgarh

Coach Thomas Dennerby praised for tactical development

“We’re building a team that believes it belongs on Asia’s top stage,” – AIFF official

What This Contrast Means for Indian Football
This rare juxtaposition tells a deeper story:

• The men’s game, despite more coverage, lacks long-term planning

• The women’s side, with minimal noise, is climbing steadily through system and spirit

Women’s football is proving to be India’s flag-bearer on the continental stage

While the headlines scream about the men’s slide, it’s the women who are quietly scripting a revolution. Maybe it’s time the focus — and the funding — shifts.

Also read : Kiran Pisda scripts history: Chhattisgarh tribal footballer part of Indian squad for AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026 https://timesofindia-indiatimes-com.cdn.ampproject.org/v/s/timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/raipur/kiran-pisda-scripts-history-chhattisgarh-tribal-footballer-part-of-indian-squad-for-afc-womens-asian-cup-2026/amp_articleshow/122363643.cms?amp_gsa=1&amp_js_v=a9&usqp=mq331AQIUAKwASCAAgM%3D#amp_tf=From%20%251%24s&aoh=17522247119235&referrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.com&ampshare=https%3A%2F%2Ftimesofindia.indiatimes.com%2Fcity%2Fraipur%2Fkiran-pisda-scripts-history-chhattisgarh-tribal-footballer-part-of-indian-squad-for-afc-womens-asian-cup-2026%2Farticleshow%2F122363643.cms