India to host Brazil and Uruguay in major football friendly series

The Indian national football team is set to participate in a series of high-profile international friendlies in late September and early October. The schedule begins with a match against Panama at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium in Bengaluru on September 26, followed by two major fixtures at Kolkata’s Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan: Brazil on October 3 and Uruguay on October 6.

The upcoming matches against Brazil and Uruguay represent significant milestones for India, as they face two-time and five-time FIFA World Cup winners, respectively. Brazil’s squad is expected to include marquee players such as Vinicius Junior and Endrick, under the management of head coach Carlo Ancelotti. However, Uruguay will be without star midfielder Federico Valverde, who is sidelined with an ankle injury.

The series has raised financial questions within the All India Football Federation (AIFF). The total budget for the three friendlies is estimated between ₹80–90 crore. Reports indicate that the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) is set to receive an appearance fee of approximately ₹35–40 crore, while Uruguay and Panama are expected to receive ₹12.5 crore and ₹5.5 crore, respectively.