India vs Malaysia, International Friendly: FIFA Ranking History and How Blue Tigers’ Rivals Compare

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India vs Malaysia: India will host Malaysia in an international friendly on November 18 at Hyderabad’s G.M.C. Balayogi Athletic Stadium, as both teams gear up for the AFC Asian Cup qualifiers.

While India’s recent performance includes a 1-1 draw with Vietnam, Malaysia comes off a mixed season with moments of success, including their Merdeka Cup victory. In terms of world rankings, India sits just ahead of Malaysia, giving both teams the impetus to build momentum on the international stage.

The friendly clash will see the India national football team, ranked 125th in the latest FIFA rankings, face off against Malaysia, ranked 133rd. This match highlights the differing trajectories of both teams over the years.

India vs Malaysia: A Brief Comparison of The Two Nations’ FIFA Rankings

India, having reached a peak ranking of 94 in 1996, has fluctuated considerably, often struggling to maintain a consistent spot in the top 100. Malaysia, meanwhile, enjoyed a peak ranking of 75 in 1993 but has similarly seen volatile changes, dropping as low as 178 in 2018 before recently climbing back up under coach Pau Marti Vicente.

India’s football journey in FIFA rankings began at 143 in 1992, and they surged in the early '90s, hitting the top 100 on the back of strong regional performances. However, with fewer international matches in subsequent years, they couldn’t sustain this momentum.

Though they dropped outside the top 100, India’s recent improvements have seen them break back in periodically, with key moments like a 0-0 draw against Asian champions Qatar in 2019 and an Intercontinental Cup win in 2023 showcasing their potential.

Malaysia’s ranking journey tells a story of resurgence. After peaking at 75, they plummeted due to poor performances, reaching 176 in 2016 and bottoming at 178 in 2018. Since then, the Malayan Tigers have surged, achieving regional success such as the 2024 Merdeka Cup.

As a result of their performances, Malaysia have gradually improved under Vicente, climbing 45 places over six years. Although their FIFA ranking remains lower than India’s, Malaysia’s recent form positions them as a competitive side.