Brazil to face India for first time in October 3 friendly

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Brazil’s forward #22 Gabriel Martinelli (L) celebrates with teammates after scoring his team’s second goal during the 2026 World Cup round of 32 football match between Brazil and Japan at the Houston Stadium in Houston on June 29, 2026. (Photo by Paul ELLIS / AFP)

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India will host five-time FIFA World Cup champions Brazil in a historic international friendly at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan in Kolkata on October 3, the All India Football Federation (AIFF) has announced.

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The encounter will mark the first-ever meeting between the two nations in men’s international football and is expected to be one of the biggest fixtures in Indian football history.

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Brazil, currently ranked fifth in the FIFA World Rankings, will become the highest-ranked opposition India have faced since the introduction of the FIFA World Ranking system in 1992.

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Reacting to the announcement, the Brazilian Football Confederation highlighted India’s deep-rooted admiration for the Seleção.

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“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,” the federation said in a statement.

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“We are eager to experience this moment alongside millions of Indian fans! See you in Kolkata.”

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The choice of Kolkata as the venue adds further significance to the occasion. Often regarded as the heart of Indian football, the city has long enjoyed a passionate connection with Brazilian football, with supporters traditionally decorating neighbourhoods in Brazil’s famous yellow and green colours during FIFA World Cups.

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The friendly will also add to Kolkata’s rich football heritage, which has seen several iconic names grace its stadiums over the years.

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In 1977, Brazilian legend Pelé visited the city with New York Cosmos for a memorable exhibition match against Mohun Bagan at Eden Gardens. German giants Bayern Munich also played Mohun Bagan in Kolkata in 2008.

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The city welcomed another football icon in 2011 when Argentina, led by Lionel Messi, faced Venezuela at the Salt Lake Stadium in Messi’s first appearance in India. The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner returned to Kolkata in 2025 as part of his GOAT Tour.

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Brazil’s visit to India will conclude the Seleção’s international window following the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Before arriving in Kolkata, the South American giants are scheduled to play Australia in two friendlies on September 25 and September 29.

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