In a defining chapter of Indian football history, the Blue Tigresses India’s women’s national football team have climbed seven places in the latest FIFA Rankings, moving from 70th to 63rd as of August 7, 2025.
More than just a statistical rise, this leap symbolizes the culmination of tireless development efforts, strategic planning, and a new wave of belief in the Indian women’s football ecosystem. With their recent qualification for the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026 on merit, the Tigresses have announced themselves as serious contenders in Asia’s elite footballing circles.
Climbing the Ranks: Why the 63rd Spot Matters
This is India’s highest FIFA ranking in nearly two years and places them within the top third of women’s football teams globally. The jump was no fluke it came on the back of a string of high-quality performances in the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026 Qualifiers, capped off by a historic 2–1 win over a much higher-ranked Thailand side. Thailand stood 24 places above India before the match, making the victory a substantial points-booster in the FIFA system.
While this is not India’s highest-ever rank the peak was 49th in 2013, the 63rd spot is a return to competitive relevance. Between 2022 and 2024, the team hovered in the 60s and 70s, facing inconsistencies in performance and federation-level setbacks. But the current rise signals a reversal in momentum an upward trend backed by systemic planning and on-field delivery.
The Qualification That Changed Everything
The Tigresses’ qualification for the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026 wasn’t just important it was historic. For the first time in over two decades, India qualified for the tournament on merit, rather than as hosts or through non-competitive entry. Grouped with Mongolia, Timor-Leste, Iraq, and Thailand in Group B of the qualifiers, India made light work of the early fixtures scoring 22 goals in their first three matches without conceding a single one.
But the big test was against Thailand, on their home turf, in a must-win encounter. India passed with flying colours, as midfielder Sangita Basfore scored a brace and goalkeeper Panthoi Chanu held firm under pressure. The 2–1 win wasn’t just a victory it was a statement.
What makes this qualification extra special is its emotional resonance. In 2022, India had to withdraw from the Asian Cup they were hosting due to a COVID-19 outbreak in the squad. That painful exit had left a scar, and this campaign served as redemption not only qualifying but doing so against a top Asian team, away from home, under pressure.
Strategic Investments That Paid Off
Behind the success lies meticulous planning. A 53-day national camp, international friendlies against quality teams like Uzbekistan, and the deployment of a more structured coaching framework all contributed to India’s readiness. The AIFF’s renewed focus on women’s football has started to bear fruit, and the reward a $50,000 cash prize for the team signals an era of recognition that the women’s team long deserved.
Furthermore, India’s success has already generated a ripple effect. Increased media coverage, social media traction, and conversations comparing the women’s team’s rise to the men’s team’s recent slump (India’s men currently rank 133rd) highlight a changing narrative. The Blue Tigresses are no longer in the shadows they’re leading the way.
Eyes on Australia: The AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026
India’s reward for their qualification? A brutally tough draw. In Group C, they’ll face:
- 🇯🇵 Japan (World Rank: 7)
- 🇻🇳 Vietnam (World Rank: 37)
- 🇹🇼 Chinese Taipei (World Rank: 42)
- 🇮🇳 India (World Rank: 63)
The tournament, set to be held in Australia from March 1–21, 2026, will serve a dual purpose: it’s not just a continental championship but also the final qualifying stage for the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027 in Brazil. Six teams will earn direct berths, with two more heading into intercontinental playoffs.
Though India enters as the lowest-ranked team in the group, recent form suggests they may not be mere participants. More competitive friendlies, tactical refinement, and squad stability over the next few months could close the gap between them and the higher-ranked sides.
Vision 47: Building a Footballing Future
India’s success story in women’s football isn’t just about the senior team. It’s part of a broader roadmap AIFF’s Vision 47, which targets making India a top-four nation in Asia by 2047. Within this roadmap, short-term goals include becoming a top-8 side in Asia by 2027.
At the grassroots level, the impact of India hosting the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in 2022 has been profound. A reported 232% increase in girl footballers registered to play has broadened the talent pipeline. AIFF has also promised to expand the Indian Women’s League (IWL) to an eight-team, full-season format starting September 2025, improving player development and match exposure.
Key Players and Staff: The Backbone of the Campaign
- Sangita Basfore: The engine in midfield and match-winner against Thailand.
- Panthoi Chanu: Commanded the goal with experience and composure.
- Manisha Kalyan, Anju Tamang, Pyari Xaxa: Consistent performers with international exposure.
Head Coach Crispin Chettri, assisted by Priya PV and Nivetha Ramadoss, has been pivotal in building the team’s tactical strength and mental toughness. The coaching staff’s attention to conditioning and player load management has made a visible difference in performance levels.
The Blue Tigresses have broken barriers, overcome past disappointments, and emerged stronger. From the ruins of 2022 to the high of qualifying on merit in 2025, the journey has been inspirational. But the road ahead is tougher Group C at the Asian Cup is stacked, and consistent top-level exposure is still a challenge.
Yet, if the past few months are any indication, this team is ready to embrace adversity. The next goal: not just to participate in Asia’s elite tournament, but to compete, challenge, and maybe just maybe qualify for their first-ever FIFA Women’s World Cup. The Blue Tigresses are no longer just chasing history. They’re making it.
