In a history-making and inspirational development for Indian sport, the India Womens National Football Team jumped an incredible seven places in the latest FIFA world rankings to achieve a position of 63rd. It is due to a brilliant performance in the AFC Women’s Asian Cup qualifiers, culminating in a record-breaking 2-1 victory over a higher-ranked Thailand.
The win not only propelled the ‘Blue Tigresses’ to a higher position on the global ladder but, above all, secured their berth in the legendary AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026, a defining moment for Indian Women Football. The triumph is a return to reckoning, a moment of triumph that promises a rosy and exciting future to Women Football India.
A Historic Victory for the ‘Blue Tigresses’ and the Rise of Women Football India
The journey to the 63rd spot in the FIFA rankings was paved with determination, skill, and an unyielding team spirit for the women football team India. The India Women’s National Football Team entered the final match of the AFC Women’s Asian Cup qualifiers against Thailand with everything on the line. Both teams were level on points, making the encounter a virtual knockout match.
Rising to the occasion, midfielder Sangita Basfore emerged as the hero of the day, netting a crucial brace that secured the hard-fought 2-1 victory. This decisive win was the culmination of a dominant qualifying campaign. The Blue Tigresses began their journey with an astounding 13-0 victory over Mongolia, showcasing their offensive prowess. They continued their impressive run with a convincing 4-0 win against Timor-Leste and a commanding 5-0 triumph over Iraq.
The victory against Thailand was the icing on the cake, a mirror of the team’s grit and strategic maturity under pressure. This series of performances has not only taken their ranking up but also captivated the imagination of football enthusiasts all across the nation, generating a new wave of interest in Women Football India.
Women Football Team India: The Significance of a Merit-Based Qualification for the Womens Asia Cup 2026
The 2026 Women’s Asia Cup qualification is a sweet triumph for the India Womens Football Team. This is the first time the team has qualified for the continental showpiece based on merit alone. The achievement is special, all the more so in light of the heartbreak in the previous edition. India would be forced to withdraw from the 2022 AFC Women’s Asian Cup, being held at home, after a COVID-19 outbreak within the team. The withdrawal left the team and the followers with a deep feeling of unfinished business.
To now qualify for the Women’s Asia Cup 2026 on the strength of a series of dominating performances is a strong testament to the character and development of the team. It proves that they can play with and beat solid Asian sides. It is a huge morale booster for both the players and the coaching staff, coming on merit.
It justifies their hard work and labor and instills in them the confidence that they are worthy of being in Asia’s finest. The qualification isn’t just a sporting achievement; it is a story of redemption and a symbol of the resplendent future in store for the India Women’s Football Team as they prepare to compete in the Women’s Asia Cup 2026.
Congratulate #TeamIndia on their maiden qualification for the #AFCWomensAsianCup 2026, going to be organised in #Australia. The team scripted history by defeating #Thailand 2-1. May the team continue its winning run and emerge victorious in upcoming matches. Best wishes to the… pic.twitter.com/4SX2WhHCe1
— Naveen Patnaik (@Naveen_Odisha) July 5, 2025
Analyzing the Climb: The Highest FIFA Ranking for the India Women’s Football Team
The seven-spot jump to 63rd in the FIFA rankings is a significant milestone for the India Women’s Football Team. Although it is their highest ranking in nearly two years, it must be viewed from the perspective of a longer time frame. The team had been ranked a best-ever 49th in the FIFA rankings in December 2013.
The recent leap to 63rd is a clear indication that the side is heading in the right direction and is slowly reclaiming its position as a force to be reckoned with in Asian football. The rise in rankings is a direct result of the team’s fine and consistent form. The resounding victories in the Asian Cup qualifiers have earned them valuable ranking points and have revealed their potential to the world.
The upward movement is a quantitative measure of the team’s progress and also an inspiration to continue striving for excellence. For the India Women’s Football Team, movement up the ranks is a marathon, not a sprint, and this latest upward movement is a welcome and comforting step in the right direction.
The Road Ahead for India Womens National Football Team: Building on the Momentum for Indian Women Football
The recent success of the India Women’s National Football Team has provided a good foundation for the future of Indian Women Football. AFC Womens Asian Cup 2026 qualification provides the team with a platform to test the continent’s best and further develop their skills. The road will not be smooth, but the Blue Tigresses have shown that they have the talent, tenacity, and enthusiasm to compete at the elite level.
To build on this momentum, the team must be backed unremittingly by all stakeholders, including the All India Football Federation, the media, and fans. Investment in grassroots development, domestic leagues, and exposure to international competitions will be crucial to building the next generation of women footballers and achieving long-term success for the national team.
The recent achievement of the India Women’s National Football Team has brought with it a spark of hope and optimism. With consistent hard work, dedication, and motivation, this spark can be transformed into a raging flame that shall herald a golden age for Indian Women Football.
