Brazil to face India in historic football friendly in Kolkata, confirms AIFF

New Delhi: The Indian football team will take on five-time champions Brazil in an international friendly at the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata on October 3. The All India Football Federation (AIFF) and the confirmed the match on Wednesday after days of speculation following reports in Brazilian media.

The fixture will see the Blue Tigers face their highest-ranked opponents since the FIFA World Ranking system was introduced in 1992, with Brazil currently placed in the fifth spot. Several Brazil players, including captain Marquinhos, Casemiro and Matheus Cunha, are expected to arrive in India after playing two friendly games against Australia in Queensland on September 25 and 29.

The Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) had already announced those matches, while Brazilian outlet GE Globo earlier reported that the third game of the team’s October FIFA window would be against India in Kolkata.

The friendly will take place just months after Brazil’s FIFA World Cup campaign ended after a Round of 16 exit against Norway. Despite the early exit from the 48-team global tournament, Brazil’s popularity remains massive in India, particularly in Kolkata.

“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.

A date for the history books. 🇮🇳🤝🇧🇷 pic.twitter.com/Sj7zneeHnv

— Indian Football (@IndianFootball) July 30, 2026

‘Landmark chapter in the history of Indian football’: AIFF Deputy Secretary General M. Satyanaraya

AIFF Deputy Secretary General M. Satyanarayan has described the fixture as a landmark chapter for Indian football, saying that to welcome Brazil in India is an extraordinary moment.

“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.

“Experiences like these challenge players to grow, inspire them to dream bigger, and leave memories that stay with them throughout their careers,” said National Teams Director Subrata Paul.

Kolkata has hosted several global football fixtures, including German champions Bayern Munich, who faced Mohun Bagan in Oliver Kahn’s farewell match in 2008.