Exclusive: Brazil will not face India in Kolkata despite reports in Brazilian media

Khel Now understands India was never under consideration as Brazil’s opponent, although the Selecao’s visit to Kolkata remains on track.

Indian football social media has been buzzing since multiple Brazilian media outlets reported on Wednesday night that the Brazil national football team would face India in an international friendly in Kolkata on October 3, 2026.

The reports quickly spread across social media, with many supporters believing India were set to host the five-time FIFA World Cup winners for the first time.

However, Khel Now can confirm that the reports are incorrect. India was never in contention to face Brazil in Kolkata.

According to Khel Now sources with direct knowledge of the discussions, negotiations between the organisers and the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) are at an advanced stage regarding Brazil’s proposed visit to Kolkata during the September-October FIFA international window. However, the opposition has always been expected to be another South American national team, not India.

“Brazil will not play India on October 3, 2026, but the trip to Kolkata remains on the cards. The organisers and the CBF are at the final stage of finalising the agreement. The current plan is for Brazil to face another South American team, similar to the Argentina vs Venezuela friendly held in Kolkata in 2011,” a reliable source told Khel Now.

Brazil’s Kolkata plans remain on course

Speculation over Brazil’s visit first gathered momentum last week after ESPN Brazil reported that the CBF were in talks with organisers over an international friendly during the September-October FIFA international window.

While those discussions are genuine, India has never been the proposed opponent, despite the widespread speculation that followed the latest reports.

Brazil are already scheduled to face Australia on September 25 and September 29, leaving room for one more friendly before the end of the international window. The CBF is yet to officially announce its third fixture.

India committed to FIFA ASEAN Cup

Meanwhile, the Indian men’s national team are scheduled to participate in the FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026, which takes place during the same FIFA international window from September 21 to October 6.

India, one of the invited non-ASEAN nations, have been drawn in Division 1 Group A alongside hosts Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore. Pakistan, meanwhile, will compete in Division 1 Group B with Vietnam, Thailand and the Philippines after China’s withdrawal.

Brazil enter a new era

Brazil are preparing for a new chapter under Carlo Ancelotti after a disappointing 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign that ended with a Round of 16 defeat to Norway. The tournament also marked the end of Neymar’s international career, with the five-time world champions now expected to build around a new generation led by players such as Vinícius Júnior and Matheus Cunha.

For more updates, follow Khel Now on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram; download the Khel Now Android App or IOS App and join our community on Telegram.