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India to host Panama, Brazil, and Uruguay friendly series

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2026-09-09 20:18 UTC → 2026-09-13 12:14 UTC · added ~~removed~~

The Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) and the All India Football Federation (AIFF) have finalized plans for a historic senior-team friendly between Brazil and India on 3 October 2026 at Kolkata’s Salt Lake Stadium (Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan). This fixture marks Brazil’s first senior match on Indian soil and represents the highest-ranked opponent India has faced since the inception of the FIFA world-ranking system. Brazil’s 26-man squad, managed by Carlo Ancelotti, has been announced and includes Vinicius Junior, Raphinha, Bruno Guimaraes, Joao Pedro, and Endrick. While Neymar was not named to the roster, the squad is expected to feature high-profile talent ahead of their scheduled match against Australia. Officials noted that players may withdraw closer to the date due to potential club-level injuries. To promote the event, Brazilian football legend Cafu visited India, engaging in community activities in Navi Mumbai and meeting with the Dreaming in Slums Foundation. During his visit, he emphasized that sport serves as a “vital tool for social inclusion” when paired with education. Ticket demand for the Kolkata fixture remains high, with VVIP options priced starting at ₹25,000. The match is part of a high-profile series hosted by India, which begins on 26 September in Bengaluru against Panama, followed by the Brazil match on 3 October, and concludes on 6 October against Uruguay. Head coach Khalid Jamil has named a 26-player squad for the series, though Sandesh Jhinghan and LZ Chhangte were not selected. Midfielder Anirudh Thapa, returning to the national squad after a two-year absence, described the upcoming matches as a “once-in-a-lifetime opportunity” to compete against world champions on home soil. He noted the team must remain focused, approaching the matches as “11 against 11” on the pitch. The selection of Bengaluru and Kolkata as venues has sparked debate regarding the exclusion of Northeast India.

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