The Indian football team will face five-time FIFA World Cup champions Brazil in an international friendly at the iconic Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan (Saltlake Stadium) in Kolkata on October 3, the All India Football Federation (AIFF) confirmed on Thursday.
The fixture will mark the first-ever meeting between India and Brazil in men’s international football. Currently ranked No. 5 in the world, Brazil will also be the highest-ranked opponent India have faced since the FIFA World Ranking system was introduced in 1992.
The Brazilian Football Confederation described the fixture as a special occasion, highlighting India’s passionate following for the Seleção.
“It will be a special encounter with a country that hosts the largest international audience for the Brazilian National Team and that, for generations, has closely followed the history of Brazilian football with enormous affection and passion,” it said. “We are eager to experience this moment alongside millions of Indian fans! See you in Kolkata.”
The match will carry added significance in Kolkata, where Brazilian football enjoys a huge following. The city’s neighbourhoods are famously decorated with Brazilian flags and colours during FIFA World Cups.
Brazil’s visit will also add to Kolkata’s long footballing association with global icons. In 1977, Brazilian legend Pelé led New York Cosmos against Mohun Bagan at Eden Gardens. European giants Bayern Munich visited the city in 2008 to play Mohun Bagan, while Argentina faced Venezuela at Salt Lake Stadium in 2011, with Lionel Messi making his first appearance in India.
Messi returned to Kolkata in 2025 as part of his GOAT Tour, beginning his multi-city India visit at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan.
Brazil will arrive in India after friendlies against Australia on September 25 and Brisbane on September 29. The Kolkata fixture will conclude the Seleção’s first international window following the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
(With inputs from olympics.com)
