Brazil to Play India in Historic Kolkata Friendly on Oct 3

The Indian men's national football team will face five-time FIFA World Cup champion Brazil for the first time in a historic international friendly scheduled for October 3, 2026, in Kolkata. The All India Football Federation and the Brazilian Football Confederation confirmed the landmark fixture, which will be played at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan, commonly known as Salt Lake Stadium.

This match represents the highest-ranked opponent India has ever faced since the FIFA World Ranking system began in 1992. Brazil is currently ranked fifth globally, while India holds the 138th position. For the Indian squad, officials described the encounter as an invaluable opportunity to compete against one of football's traditional powerhouses.

The fixture is part of Brazil's October international window. Prior to arriving in India, the Brazilian team is scheduled to play two friendlies against Australia in Queensland, on September 25 in Townsville and September 29 in Brisbane. The CBF stated the Kolkata match will mark the first time Brazil's senior men's team has played on Indian soil, calling it an "unprecedented chapter" for the national team.

Kolkata's selection as the host city is...