The Indian National Football Team have now reached their highest Federation International de Football Association (FIFA) ranking under Stephen Constantine. They achieved its best-ever FIFA ranking since February 1996. According to the latest FIFA rankings, team India was ranked 96.

India has risen by four spots after their impressive showing during the international break in June when they notched up a 2-0 friendly win over Nepal and a 1-0 win over Kyrgyzstan in the 2019 AFC Asian Cup qualifiers group match.

In the process, India is currently placed 12th in AFC. India’s best-ever FIFA Ranking till date stays 94 which was attained in February 1996 while 99 stayed India’s second-best FIFA Ranking which was also achieved in November 1993. India currently has 341 rating points, an increase of 10 from their previous tally.

India also profited from Namibia who plummeted an astonishing 62 spots from 94 to be ranked 156. The best mover in this edition of the rankings is Andorra who jumped 57 spots to be ranked 129th. As far as Asia is concerned, India is the 12th highest ranked team in the continent while Iran leads the chart at 23rd spot.

The Team has now won 13 of their last 15 matches and are unbeaten in the last 8 matches (including the unofficial match against Bhutan). India was ranked 171 when Constantine took over as National Coach for the second time in February 2015. Indian Football and the National Team have been on an upsurge with a string of good results leading to a climb of 77 places in FIFA Rankings over the last two years.

Congratulating the Team, AIFF President Mr. Praful Patel said: “It’s a giant leap of faith for Indian Football. Two years back, we were 173 and now we have reached our second best FIFA Ranking ever. The leap signifies the potential of Indian Football. Congratulations to the National Team boys, the Coach, the staff and all in AIFF.”

Reflecting on the achievement, Constantine said, “I had mentioned that my target was to bring India below 100. I am happy to have played a small part in this process.” Mr. Kushal Das, General Secretary, All India Football Federation (AIFF), stated: “This comes as a huge boost ahead of our next AFC Asian Cup qualifying match against Macau on September 5, 2017. Hats off to the Team for giving it their all in achieving this milestone. Qualifying for the AFC Asian Cup 2019 stays our top priority.”

Twitter Hails Team India:

As a fan of Indian Football, I’d love to see merchandise of The @IndianFootball Team that I can proudly wear around! #IndianFootball

— Aaditya Thackeray (@AUThackeray) July 6, 2017

India move up to 96th in latest FIFA rankings. Best since they were ranked 94th in 1996. #IndianFootball

— Mihir Vasavda (@mihirsv) July 6, 2017

#India climbs to 96 in the latest #FIFA rankings #Indianfootball pic.twitter.com/fF1X055myH

— football news india (@fni) July 6, 2017

A dream doesn’t become reality through magic; it takes sweat, determination and hard work. 💪⚽🇮🇳️ #godisincontrol #IndianFootball pic.twitter.com/b2wE8dn2fB

— Brandon Fernandes (@BrandonFern10) July 6, 2017

People may be tempted to go crazy with the recent rise in Rankings and the results, but we cannot get carried away #BackTheBlue #IndiaAt96 pic.twitter.com/Nrrifjrj7b

— Indian Football Team (@IndianFootball) July 6, 2017

Congratulations @IndianFootball ranking moved up to 96. Hope by next month we will hit all time top position. All the best. #Indianfootball

— Shaji Prabhakaran (@Shaji4Football) July 6, 2017

.@IndianFootball attains highest ranking in 21yrs, climbs to 96th spot. Brilliant all-round effort! Great news as I complete a yr. in office pic.twitter.com/4PDIE4r3zc

— Vijay Goel (@VijayGoelBJP) July 6, 2017

INDIA CLIMBS 4 PLACES TO BE RANKED 96 IN THE FIFA JULY MEN’S RANKING. 2nd highest ranking ever. #BackTheBlue #IndiaAt96 pic.twitter.com/Xt3ix0yu2f

— Indian Football Team (@IndianFootball) July 6, 2017

There’s only one way from here; up! Congratulations to the @IndianFootball team who are up to 96 in the latest @FIFAcom rankings. #IndiaAt96 pic.twitter.com/uq1sctr9uz

— Bengaluru FC (@bengalurufc) July 6, 2017

The Indian football team is now at 96, it’s best ranking in 21 years!

— joybhattacharjya (@joybhattacharj) July 6, 2017

However, it falls just short of India’s highest ever FIFA ranking which was 94, achieved back in February 1996. Confederations Cup champions Germany has overtaken Brazil to be ranked the top team in the world and is followed by Argentina, Portugal, and Switzerland.