Great news for football lovers. The five-time world champions Brazil may play a friendly on Indian soil, and Kolkata is emerging as the likely venue for the match. The information was given in a report by ESPN Brazil. The discussion between the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) and Indian organisers began during the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Bangladesh’s name is among those in the mix.
The Brazilian Football Confederation was impressed by the unprecedented enthusiasm of Indian supporters at the World Cup. It was mainly the images of that support spreading on social media that encouraged the Brazil team to come to India. The Seleção are due to play three friendlies from late September to early October. Two matches against Australia have already been confirmed, to be held in Townsville on 25 September and in Brisbane on 29 September. The CBF is in discussions to choose India for the third match.
The report said the opponent for the proposed match has not yet been decided. Alongside India, there had been discussion of holding the match in Bangladesh, Singapore and Qatar. At this moment, however, talks have advanced far only with India.
If everything is finalised, Kolkata’s football lovers will once again see the stars of world football in person. Earlier, in 1977, the legendary Pelé played at Eden Gardens for New York Cosmos against Mohun Bagan. The Seleção may now set foot in that same historic city.
This World Cup did not go well for Brazil. Carlo Ancelotti’s side lost to Norway in the round of 16 and went out. Although Vinícius Júnior was in outstanding form, he could not keep the team alive. It was Brazil’s fastest World Cup exit since 1990.
But they are preparing for a fresh start, putting the wounds of the World Cup behind them. These matches will be held under the new “super FIFA window.” This international window can be as long as 16 days, giving teams the chance to play several friendly or competitive matches.
During the World Cup, from Uttarpara to the various lanes of Kolkata, the city was decked out with murals of Neymar and Vini Jr. This football fervour among the people of Kolkata is nothing new. If all goes well, the samba stars in yellow shirts will soon be seen on Kolkata’s green grass.
বাংলায় মূল প্রতিবেদন পড়ুন · Read the original Bengali report