India move up to 137th in FIFA rankings after 1-1 draw with Panama

India climbed to 137th in the live FIFA World Ranking after drawing 1-1 with Panama at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium on September 25, the match having started with India ranked 138th and Panama 44th. The draw earned India 3.19 FIFA ranking points and increased their total from 1084.93 to 1088.12.

The match carried unusual ranking value because India had been 94 places below Panama prior to kick-off, and the FIFA Men’s World Ranking calculations factor in match importance, the relative strength of the opponents and the expected result. That combination meant a result against a significantly higher-ranked nation produced a larger points exchange than a routine friendly between closely ranked teams.

On the field, Ryan Williams gave India the lead in the 41st minute, his goal putting the hosts ahead at the interval. Williams’ strike was the only scoring in the opening period and left India with a half-time advantage.

Panama levelled in the second half when substitute Omar Valencia scored in the 68th minute, his dipping shot from outside the box beating goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu. After Valencia’s goal, Panama applied pressure but India held out for the 1-1 final score.

Full-Time | India 1-1 Panama 🇮🇳🇵🇦The Blue Tigers take a draw against FIFA World Cup nation Panama after Ryan Williams put India ahead before Omar Valencia levelled for Panama in the second half.A closely fought contest ends all square in Bengaluru.#IndianFootball #INDPAN pic.twitter.com/1FlTHZCMhw

India now have two further fixtures lined up at home, facing Brazil on October 3 and Uruguay on October 6, with both matches scheduled for the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan in Kolkata. The next official FIFA ranking update is due on October 7, and India’s provisional position at 137th will be confirmed once FIFA validates the relevant results.