Indian football has taken a step back, with the national team slipping in FIFA rankings despite recent efforts to boost performance. Concerns over player development, inconsistent results, and a lack of long-term planning have raised fresh questions about the sport’s future in the country.
The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has been pushing to strengthen grassroots programmes and improve domestic leagues, but progress has been slow. The national team’s recent struggles in international tournaments have highlighted the need for structural changes and better player grooming.
One of the key issues is the limited exposure of Indian players to top-tier international competitions. While leagues like the Indian Super League (ISL) have brought more visibility, they have yet to create a sustainable pipeline for national-level talent. Experts argue that developing homegrown players and increasing competitive matches against stronger teams are crucial for India’s growth in global football.
Critics also point to administrative hurdles and policy inconsistencies as obstacles to India’s footballing aspirations. The AIFF has been under pressure to create a clear roadmap, but frequent leadership changes and financial constraints have slowed progress.
With the FIFA rankings reflecting India’s struggles, the focus now shifts to upcoming tournaments. Whether Indian football can regain lost ground will depend on stronger policies, better coaching infrastructure, and sustained international exposure. Fans remain hopeful, but the road ahead looks challenging.
