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The Indian men’s football team will face Brazil in a FIFA international friendly at Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata on October 3
India to face Brazil in men’s international friendly match on October 3 in Kolkata. (Picture Credit: AP)
The Indian men’s football team will face Brazil in a FIFA international friendly at Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata on October 3. The All India Football Federation (AIFF) confirmed the high-profile fixture on Thursday (July 30) through a post on X.
“A date for the history books. India vs Brazil FIFA International Friendly at Salt Lake Stadium on October 3,” the AIFF posted on its official X handle.
The match will see India face their highest-ranked opponents since the FIFA World Ranking system was introduced in 1992, with Brazil currently occupying the fifth spot.
Brazil, led by captain Marquinhos and featuring stars such as Casemiro and Matheus Cunha, are expected to arrive in India after playing two friendlies against Australia in Queensland on September 25 and 29.
Da Austrália para a Índia 🇧🇷🇮🇳A agenda da Seleção Brasileira continua.
Depois dos amistosos na Austrália, nosso próximo destino será a Índia, onde escreveremos um capítulo inédito da nossa história.
No dia 3 de outubro, a Seleção entrará em campo pela primeira vez em solo… pic.twitter.com/UNbhtNU3we
— brasil (@CBF_Futebol) July 30, 2026
The Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) had already announced those fixtures, while Brazilian outlet GE Globo reported that the third match of Brazil’s October FIFA window would be against India in Kolkata.
The friendly comes months after Brazil’s campaign at the FIFA World Cup, where the Selecao bowed out in the Round of 16.
AIFF Deputy Secretary General M. Satyanarayan described the match as a landmark moment for Indian football.
“To welcome a team of Brazil’s stature to our country is an extraordinary moment and one that will undoubtedly become a landmark chapter in the history of Indian football,” he said.
National Teams Director Subrata Paul added that the fixture would provide Indian players with a rare opportunity to measure themselves against one of football’s greatest nations.
“Experiences like these challenge players to grow, inspire them to dream bigger, and leave memories that stay with them throughout their careers,” he said.
Kolkata’s tryst with history
Brazil’s visit also revives Kolkata’s rich association with the South American giants dating about five decades back.
The city’s enduring love affair with Brazilian football dates back to September 24, 1977, when Pelé’s New York Cosmos played Mohun Bagan in a memorable exhibition match at Eden Gardens that ended 2-2.
Kolkata has also hosted other global football powerhouses, including German champions Bayern Munich, who played Mohun Bagan in Oliver Kahn’s farewell match in 2008.
(With inputs from PTI)
About the Author
Harshit Bisht is a sports journalist at CNN-News18, where he has been covering cricket, football, and major sporting events from around the world since July 1, 2024. Driven by a passion for storytelli…Read More
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