Kolkata, 3 October 2026: Indian football gets one of its biggest nights in years today, as the Blue Tigers take on five-time World Cup winners Brazil in an international friendly at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan (Salt Lake Stadium). Kick-off is at 7:30 PM IST.
## A first for Indian football This is the first-ever senior men's meeting between India and Brazil, and Brazil's first match on Indian soil. The All India Football Federation (AIFF) confirmed the fixture in July. Brazil are the highest-ranked team India have faced since the FIFA rankings began in 1992. The AIFF lists Brazil at No. 5, while India are ranked 138th.
The match is the last game of Brazil's first international window since the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The venue also hosted Lionel Messi's GOAT Tour visit in 2025, and Kolkata has long been one of the most Brazil-loving football cities in the world.
## Match details - Match: India vs Brazil (international friendly) - Date: Saturday, 3 October 2026 - Kick-off: 7:30 PM IST - Venue: Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan (Salt Lake Stadium), Kolkata - TV broadcast in India: Sony Sports Network - Live streaming in India: SonyLIV
## Brazil team news Brazil, coached by Carlo Ancelotti, arrive in Kolkata after two friendlies against Australia. They drew the first 1-1 in Townsville and won the second 4-2 in Brisbane. Vanderson, Raphinha, Bruno Guimaraes and Vinicius Junior scored in that win, with Vinicius converting a penalty.
Vinicius Junior and Endrick lead the attack, alongside Rayan, Estevao Willian, Pedro and Samuel Lino. Casemiro, Alisson and Ederson are among the players missing. Joao Pedro and Wesley are out injured, and Gabriel Martinelli was called up to replace Joao Pedro. Raphinha has been ruled out with muscular oedema and has returned to Barcelona, and no replacement has been called up.
## India team news and form India, coached by Khalid Jamil, named a 26-member squad for the matches against Brazil, Panama and Uruguay. The Blue Tigers are winless in five matches, with recent 1-1 draws against Tajikistan and Panama. Against Panama, Ryan Williams put India ahead in the first half before Omar Valencia equalised in the 68th minute.
The match is a free hit for India, with no pressure on the result and a chance to test themselves against the best. India will be hoping to defend well and look for chances on the counter-attack.
## What is next for India India play Uruguay in another friendly in Kolkata on Tuesday, 6 October.
## Update This article was published before kick-off. The full-time result and match report will be added after the match.
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