Brazil in advanced talks to play international friendly with India: Report
New Delhi, July 25
The Brazilian Football Confederation is in late-stage talks with Indian sports organisers to schedule an international friendly in Kolkata, likely happening in early October 2026.
Initial reports from ESPN Brasil, later confirmed by outlets like Estadão, indicate that only the final contractual details are pending before an official announcement.
The media outlet also confirmed with the CBF that Brazil plans to hold additional home friendlies in 2027, especially in cities typically overlooked in the national team's schedule. During the recent World Cup, Kolkata transformed into a lively display with murals of Neymar and Vini Junior adorning the city streets, particularly in north Kolkata.
Although organisers in Bangladesh, Singapore, and Qatar also showed interest, negotiations have only advanced with India. The CBF rejected proposals to include more matches in the region because of squad travel and recovery considerations.
The proposed match occurs following Brazil's elimination by Norway in the Round of 16 at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, under head coach Carlo Ancelotti. This game in Kolkata is the main event of a 16-day "Super FIFA Window" running from late September to early October.
Although authorities in Dhaka, Singapore, and Doha presented lucrative proposals, negotiations with Indian organizers have skipped over competing bids, moving directly to administrative procedures before the final signature.
If confirmed, this event will be Brazil's first major appearance of the national team in Kolkata, adding to the city's history of hosting international football legends.
If negotiations succeed, Kolkata will rekindle a nearly 50-year-old love affair with South American football. Since Pelé played at Eden Gardens with the New York Cosmos against Mohun Bagan in September 1977, the city has admired Brazilian style.
For a region recovering from the post-World Cup slump, the appearance of yellow-and-green jerseys on home soil provides an instant boost.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Honestly, I'm happy but also slightly annoyed. Why does the AIFF always get excited about one-off friendlies instead of building a proper football structure? We beat Brazil once in a friendly? Great. But we still can't qualify for the World Cup. This feels like a circus, not development. 🙄
For those who don't get it—this is massive. Brazil playing in Kolkata after Pelé's visit in 1977? That's history repeating itself! And if Ancelotti brings his full team, the atmosphere will be insane. I'm already planning my trip from Bangalore. Let's show the Samba boys some Indian hospitality! 🇮🇳⚽🇧🇷
Wait, we're playing Brazil and they picked Kolkata over Dhaka? That's a flex! But also, why couldn't we get a match in Mumbai or Delhi for once? Always Kolkata gets the love. Not complaining though if it's Brazil—the murals during the World Cup were epic! 😍
As a football fan from Kerala, I'm jealous but also proud. Kolkata deserves this—they live and breathe football. But let's be real: this is a money grab. Brazil gets a paid holiday, we get a photo op. Meanwhile, our grassroots football is still struggling. Hope the organisers invest the revenue wisely instead of just partying. #FocusOnDevelopment
I'm so excited! My father still talks about seeing Pelé in Kolkata. Now I
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