India’s Season of Promise Turns Bad

• India’s FIFA ranking dropped from 99 at the end of 2023 to 125.

• India lost all the Asian Cup main draw matches and failed to qualify for the third round of 2026 World Cup qualifiers.

• Croatian World Cupper Igor Stimac was replaced by Spain’s Manolo Marquez.

• The draw against Malaysia was the fourth game under Marquez, with three draws and a loss.

• The winless record came after a decade, last occurring in 2014 when the Blue Tigers played two matches without success.

• Marquez expressed hope for India’s next big target, qualifying for the 2027 Asian Cup.

• Despite the lack of wins, Marquez believes India is gradually adapting to the style he wants to play.